McLaren Lando Norris Faces New Setback after S…read more.
Lando Norris may be facing increased pressure at McLaren after fictional character Sonny Hayes —portrayed by Brad Pitt in the upcoming Formula 1 movie — took part in a test session for the team. While Hayes’ participation is part of the film’s production, the high-profile nature of the test has added a surreal twist to Norris’s recent struggles on and off the track.
Norris, who has been a loyal McLaren driver since his F1 debut, is enduring a challenging phase in his career. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, he has yet to secure a Grand Prix victory. The latest development — involving a Hollywood actor driving a modified F2 car painted in McLaren livery — has been seen by some fans as a symbolic low point, highlighting the contrast between Norris’s real-world battle for results and the glamour of the sport’s cinematic portrayal.
The Brad Pitt-led F1 film, backed by Apple Studios and produced with full F1 and FIA cooperation, continues to generate buzz. As part of filming, Pitt and the movie crew have been embedded with the F1 paddock, including time spent with McLaren. The sight of Sonny Hayes in McLaren colours during a test at Silverstone has drawn plenty of attention, adding to the narrative surrounding Norris’s future.
While McLaren has made it clear that the Hollywood production does not interfere with team operations or driver focus, the timing couldn’t be worse for Norris, who’s under increasing pressure to deliver podiums in a fiercely competitive midfield battle.
As the spotlight shifts both in reality and fiction, Norris must refocus on-track performances to assert his status within the team. With McLaren continuing to evolve and outside distractions growing, the pressure to perform has never been greater.
