Formula 1 has never seen such a close partnership with a film production until the making of the F1 movie. The sport opened its doors extensively, and Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, invested significant time to ensure the movie felt credible and authentic. Just days before the film’s release, director Joseph Kosinski and actor Brad Pitt highlighted how essential Hamilton’s involvement was in shaping the project.

From Conversation to Creative Partnership

A simple discussion between Kosinski and Hamilton quickly evolved into a deep collaboration aimed at bringing Formula 1 authentically to the big screen. This relationship elevated the film’s production and added genuine insight into the sport.

“When Lewis came on, then it was a go. And it was a simple phone call for me, I remember we sat down that first time – and that’s less about racing and more about just sitting with a gem of a human being. There’s a reason… champions are made, I think, beyond just talent.”

—Brad Pitt, Actor

“It’s also how they carry themselves and how they face the world. And he is just a gem and a gent. Really, really.”

—Brad Pitt, Actor

Admiration Extends Beyond Racing Skill

Brad Pitt’s admiration for Lewis Hamilton goes beyond his driving abilities, reflecting respect for his character and demeanor. Hamilton generously shared his expertise and spent countless hours mentoring the cast and crew.

“And then you come to what the expertise is that he has brought to this thing. He would give us like 12 hours in a day. We’d just sit and just query and throw questions at him – ‘What about this?’ – and he really helped shape us – shape this film.”

—Brad Pitt, Actor

Kosinski on Hamilton’s Impact Throughout Production

Director Joseph Kosinski, renowned for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, praised Hamilton’s involvement at every stage, from story creation to technical accuracy concerning the cars and race details. Hamilton’s insistence on precision, even at additional cost, was crucial for the film’s authenticity.

“Lewis Hamilton has been involved every step of the way – from creating the original story with me to getting every detail of the cars, from what gear you’re in to what it sounds like when you’re on the back straight,”

Kosinski said.

“And he has just been invaluable in getting this right.”

Producer’s Gratitude for Hamilton’s Contributions

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer expressed deep appreciation for Hamilton and the broader Formula 1 community who supported the project. He acknowledged that Hamilton’s commitment sometimes led to increased costs but emphasized that everyone’s shared goal was to create a high-quality film true to the sport.

“Everything that he has brought to this movie, I can’t even express our thanks to him and all the folks from F1 who made this all possible,”

Bruckheimer remarked.

“But the authenticity that he brings, we just can’t imagine what goes into what a driver does and what the sport brings to an audience.”

“Sometimes we don’t like to hear some of the things he says, because it costs us more money to fix things, but we’re all in, we want to make it great, and he’s certainly helping us.”

—Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer

The Significance of Hamilton’s Role in the Film

Lewis Hamilton’s invaluable contribution to the F1 movie not only enhanced the film’s realism but also ensured that the story accurately reflected the intensity and technical complexity of Formula 1 racing. His presence helped bridge the gap between cinema and sport, promising fans an authentic experience. The collaboration marks a new benchmark in how sports legends can influence filmmaking, increasing excitement ahead of the movie’s global release.