Lewis Hamilton, co-producer of the upcoming F1 movie, recently shared insights about his first hands-on experience working on a Hollywood film at the world premiere held in New York. The British driver, currently with Ferrari, reflected on how this opportunity allowed him to contribute deeply to a project closely connected to his racing career.
Hamilton previously had a different connection to Hollywood when he was offered a role in the blockbuster film Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise. However, during the film’s production starting in 2018, Hamilton was embroiled in a fierce championship battle with Sebastian Vettel, which required his full focus on Formula 1. This intense period compelled him to turn down the acting role, despite the unique chance to step into a Hollywood spotlight.
Later, when the new F1 movie was being developed by Joseph Kosinski, the director of Top Gun, Hamilton seized the chance to be involved behind the scenes. At the premiere, he described the journey as remarkable, especially having spoken to Kosinski about the earlier opportunity and then joining this film project instead.
“It’s been an incredible-incredible experience from the moment that I spoke to Joe (Joseph Kosinski) about being a Maverick and then having to turn down that experience [of] being in that movie to then getting to work on this script with him and get to work on this movie.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 driver and co-producer
Hamilton’s involvement was key in ensuring that the movie authentically represented the world of Formula 1, a concern among fans and critics given Hollywood’s tendency to dramatize real-life sports. His passion for accuracy helped maintain the integrity of the racing aspects portrayed in the film.
How Lewis Hamilton Ensured Realism in the F1 Film, According to Esteban Ocon
Many F1 enthusiasts worried that the Hollywood production might exaggerate or distort the sport’s reality, but Hamilton played a crucial role in guarding against this. Esteban Ocon, a fellow driver, praised Hamilton’s commitment to realism and explained how his influence shaped the movie’s approach to depicting racing.
“I really see where Lewis has put his touch to manage to try and make everything as realistic as possible. You can really feel that Lewis has pushed to keep it super realistic.”
—Esteban Ocon, F1 driver
“But there were some parts that they needed to make it a little bit more Hollywood, which is obviously for all the public and needs to be catching the eye of everyone. I think proper racing fans will enjoy it. They are going to comment about some of the things that maybe don’t make 100% sense.”
—Esteban Ocon, F1 driver
The movie balances the need to appeal to a broad audience with the desire to provide an accurate portrayal for dedicated fans, a goal Hamilton has been integral in achieving. The film’s release is scheduled for June 27, offering audiences an inside look at the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton’s first Hollywood movie experience not only marks a new chapter in his career but also highlights his dedication to authenticity and love for the sport. As a key creative figure behind the film, his efforts promise to deliver an engaging and realistic look at Formula 1, likely influencing how future sports movies are crafted with closer cooperation from professionals within the field.