Brad Pitt to race in Formula 1

Brad Pitt has received special permission to drive the first lap of Formula 1 at Silverstone in the UK as part of the filming of his new film. The whole process will be carried out under the watchful eye of the British racing driver, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and his production company Dawn Apollo Films. The athlete is an executive producer of a potential blockbuster.

Pitt will play a Formula 1 veteran who is forced to return to work to train a budding motorist. A source close to the shoot said: "Watching Brad Pitt headline the British Grand Prix will be an incredible and surreal moment for viewers and fans at Silverstone this July."

The release of the film, which does not yet have a title, is expected next year.