The Grand Prix of Spa-Francorchamps taking place this weekend is getting an extra touch of glamour with the presence of Brad Pitt at the “most beautiful circuit in the world.” The American actor and film producer is in Belgium to shoot his new film F1 on the Ardennes asphalt. This professional trip is also tinged with a family aspect, as Brad Pitt is expected to meet the family of his new partner, Ines de Ramon.
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The choice of Spa-Francorchamps for the filming of F1 is not a coincidence. The circuit is known as one of the most demanding and iconic in the championship. It provides a perfect setting to capture the intensity of Formula 1 races. Brad Pitt plans to shoot during this weekend’s Grand Prix, using innovative camera angles and mingling with the drivers for certain scenes. The film, co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, promises a total immersion into the world of F1.
Fans on the lookout
From his arrival at Liège Airport last Tuesday, the excitement among fans was palpable. Many gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of their idol. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a mythical location for auto racing enthusiasts, has become even more attractive this year, thanks to the presence of the Hollywood star. Fans, armed with binoculars and cameras, scour every corner of the circuit and nearby hotels, hoping for a chance encounter with the actor.
For this stay in Belgium, Brad Pitt has chosen the Manoir des Lébioles in Spa, which he has privatized the sixteen suites. The small castle offers all the luxury and discretion needed. “The accommodations also include a minibar and a flat-screen TV (…) as well as wellness facilities like a sauna, steam room, and relaxation and spa areas,” according to Booking. The venue hosts a gym, an indoor pool, and a terrace with breathtaking views…
Of course, security has been tailored for one of the most famous actors on the planet, with coordination between local police, federal police, and the star’s personal security team, ensuring his tranquility and that of his entourage.
Meeting in Brabant Wallon
The press is also very interested in Ines de Ramon, 34, Brad Pitt’s new partner. This businesswoman and jewelry designer, co-director at Anita Ko Jewelry in Los Angeles, was born in Antwerp and grew up in Switzerland. Her Belgian roots partly anchor her in Brabant Wallon, the French-speaking province located south of Brussels. A polyglot speaking five languages, she is said to be passionate about wellness and nutrition. Before meeting Brad Pitt, she was married to Paul Wesley, an actor from Vampire Diaries, from whom she divorced in 2022.
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According to newspapers from the Sudpresse group, Ines de Ramon’s grandfather, Paul Henri Mortelmans, was a renowned insurer and a knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. “Ines’s father, Vincente de Ramon, works in the financial sector and resides in Geneva, Switzerland. Another close family member, a former honorary consul of the Seychelles for 15 years, turned to tourism real estate in Spain, where he is said to have built thousands of houses. He also headed a travel agency called Intour,” writes Sudpresse.
Ines and Brad are reportedly marking in their calendar a family meeting in a castle in Brabant Wallon, where Ines’s grandmother lives. Where exactly? According to some leaks reported by the press, it could be in one of the mansions located in the municipalities of Court-Saint-Etienne or Céroux-Mousty, where an often ancient, wealthy aristocracy is deeply rooted in these valleys rich in agricultural land and forests.
300 million dollars, would that be too much?
Fans of the actor from Fight Club and Troy are eagerly awaiting the release of the film F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Brad Pitt plays an ex-F1 driver who returns to competition to mentor a young driver, played by Damson Idris. The cast also includes Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, and Tobias Menzies. The film has garnered attention not only for its cast and plot but also for its rumored record budget of 300 million dollars. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has disputed this figure, explaining that tax breaks and strategic partnerships have significantly reduced costs.
Scenes from the film have already been shot at Silverstone in July 2023, and despite the actors’ strike in Hollywood, filming continued with stunt doubles and professional drivers. The blockbuster promises more than an hour of IMAX footage, a visual experience touted as spectacular. Its release is scheduled for June 25, 2025. In the meantime, Brad Pitt fans will be able to see him in the thriller Wolfs, which will be released on September 18.
The City Open Air Cinema returns
Films dedicated to car racing represent a genre in itself. Among the most iconic is Grand Prix (1966) by John Frankenheimer, starring Yves Montand, which depicts the Formula 1 season of 1966 with great technical precision and spectacular racing sequences. More recently, Rush (2013) by Ron Howard chronicled the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 season, highlighting the intensity and danger of F1. We should also mention the documentary Senna (2010) directed by Asif Kapadia, dedicated to the career of the legendary Brazilian driver who died at Imola in 1994. Not to forget Le Mans (1971), featuring Steve McQueen, a classic of the genre centered around the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
