George Russell's awkward moment with Brad Pitt before gatecrashing F1 interview

George Russell has opened up on an awkward first encounter with Brad Pitt, before the Formula 1 driver gatecrashed one of the Hollywood titan's interviews. Pitt has spent some time getting to know a number of F1's brightest stars in preparation for a movie on the sport, which landed in cinemas last month.

Pitt initially attended the 2022 US Grand Prix in Texas as a guest of Mercedes, marking the first time that driver Russell shared his company. When asked if he's ever been left starstruck by meeting a celebrity, Russell recounted meeting the 61-year-old for the first time, explaining: "Starstruck maybe is pushing it a little bit, but the first time I ever saw Brad Pitt I wanted to act quite cool so I didn't want to take a photo with him as everyone else was.

"So I pretended to be on the phone and sort of took the photo on the side of my phone. I've still got it on my phone now and I wanted to show him in Austin because we had a chat but it slipped my mind so next time."

However, Russell was far from shy when he bumped into Pitt once again at the premiere of the F1 movie last month in New York City. The American actor was being interviewed by Sky Sports as Russell entered his eyeline. At which point, Pitt said: "Hold on... what a weekend, dude."

He added: "What a great race. Dude, it was so fun... it was so fun to watch. Dude, real pleasure. We'll talk later," in reference to the Canadian GP which Russell won the weekend prior.

All smiles, Russell shared a handshake and a brief embrace with Pitt before he replied: "We've got the matching salmon shirt," in reference to the fact that the two were wearing similar outfits. To which, Pitt joked: "You texted. You said pink and I said pink? I said okay."

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It comes as Russell is set to take part in this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, qualifying in fourth for the event behind Red Bull rival Max Verstappen and McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Russell also sits fourth in the seasonal standings in the race for the Drivers' Championship at present, with a single win from Canada and five podiums to his name to show for 2025 thus far.

With 13 events left in the F1 season, Russell trails leader Verstappen by 70 points at present, and he will hope to bridge that gap ever so slightly when Sunday's standing start at Silverstone arrives.