How Tom Cruise fell in love with Formula 1

Tom Cruise might be known by motorsport fans for portraying a racing driver in Days of Thunder, but did you know that he actually got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car back in 2011? Ahead of the release of his latest movie Digger, here’s the story of that day, and how the Hollywood hero fell in love with Formula 1.

Cruise has always shown a great interest in the world of motor racing. During the late 1980s, the Hollywood hero actually gave professional racing a try thanks to his The Colour of Money co-star Paul Newman.

Cruise raced for the Newman/Sharp Racing team in sports cars, but quickly gained a reputation for his aggressive driving style and soon hung up his racing helmet. That didn’t stop him from enjoying racing through his movies, though, as well as keeping tabs on championships across both two and four wheels.

When Tom Cruise drove an F1 car

Cruise is no stranger to big stunts, fast machines and adrenaline rushes, but 15 years ago Red Bull Racing handed him the metaphorical keys to one of their Formula 1 cars.

Ahead of the inaugural United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas, Cruise had the chance to test one of their cars in a break from post-production of one of his Mission Impossible movies – showing his need for speed extended well beyond the big screen.

David Coulthard was on hand to offer advice, as a former Red Bull F1 driver and 13-time Grand Prix winner, with a 12-person crew from the team setting the car up correctly for Cruise and getting him ready for making history.

Taking place at the Willow Springs International Raceway in Southern California, Cruise and Coulthard did several passenger laps to familiarise themselves with the 4km circuit, before the movie star got suited up and ready to try it for himself in the 850-horsepower machine.

Cruise was instantly at home in the F1 car – despite never driving something like it before. The Golden Globe-winning actor banked 24 laps before coming into the pits to compare notes and telemetry, which resulted in him ultimately shaving 11 seconds off from his first to his last lap time.

There were a few off-track moments, but Cruise managed to keep the car running and bring it back to the pits. When he wasn’t on track, he was in the air with the Red Bull helicopter stunt team performing loops and daring manoeuvres.

Attending the F1 The Movie Premiere

It’s well known that Cruise supports the film industry. From taking photos at his local cinema watching the latest blockbuster or collaborating on movies through his production company, the man just loves motion pictures.

During the 2025 press tour for F1 The Movie, Cruise was pictured with his former Interview with the Vampire co-star Brad Pitt on the red carpet at the European premiere. F1 The Movie director Joseph Kosinski has previously worked closely with Cruise on flicks like Oblivion and Top Gun: Maverick.

Having shown his support on the red carpet, Cruise later took to Instagram to praise those behind F1's film debut, sharing a photo from the premiere with the caption: “Great night at the movies with my friends!! You guys crushed it!!”

Showing his support at Silverstone

Whether you know him as Tom Cruise, Ethan Hunt or “Maverick”, this Hollywood action hero has made several appearances at Formula 1 events over the seasons.

One of his most notable visits came on the weekend of his 60th birthday, when Cruise was papped under the 2022 British Grand Prix podium with Anthony Hamilton and Antonio Perez – fathers of Lewis and Sergio.

Cruise also pictured alongside Sir Jackie Stewart, standing next to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in the garage mid-session, and even down for a chat on Martin Brundle’s grid walk. Cruise also spent time with Hamilton’s brother Nicolas ahead of the race - and was later snapped with Lewis himself after the race in a show of support.

Cruise had also been spotted at the 2021 British Grand Prix, as well as that year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where he chatted with 1978 Formula 1 World Champion and American racing legend Mario Andretti.

And Cruise was back at an F1 event when he visited the 2023 Miami Grand Prix – this time accompanied by Shakira. He even helped the Mercedes team with some pit stop practice!

As Digger lands in cinemas, it's fair to say Cruise has already created plenty of Formula 1 memories of his own. From life in the cockpit to behind-the-scenes access in the paddock, the star has spent more than a decade digging deeper into F1, and his passion for the sport remains clear to see.