Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has expressed openness to a sequel of the successful “F1: The Movie,” while emphasizing the need for patience before proceeding. The film, which starred Brad Pitt and Damson Idris and was released by Apple, grossed over $310 million worldwide following its $144 million opening weekend. Hamilton, who also co-produced the movie, remains cautious about rushing into a second installment despite the film’s commercial success.
Hamilton played a key role behind the scenes in ensuring the film‘s authenticity, particularly by challenging any unrealistic portrayals related to the sport. With director Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” involved, the film’s high-octane racing scenes were widely praised, though Hamilton acknowledged imperfections.
During an interview at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked about discussions surrounding a sequel. He responded with a reserved tone, saying,
“Well if I had I wouldn’t be telling you right now firstly,”
and added,
“I saw someone talk about it but we literally just finished it so, I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel.”
Hamilton Advocates for Careful Consideration Before Sequel
Despite “F1: The Movie” becoming Apple’s most financially successful film, it faced criticism, particularly regarding its depiction of women in the sport. Hamilton emphasized that any decision to create a follow-up film would not be taken lightly. He highlighted the extensive effort put in by the team, including Kosinski and himself, noting the sacrifices made during the four years of production.
Hamilton explained the importance of letting the film’s success settle before considering a new project:
“It needs this to just simmer for a while, let’s enjoy it. I think the worst thing we probably could do is to rush into doing a sequel. Most sequels are way worse and we don’t need to rush yet.”
He also expressed a desire to elevate any future project by taking time to reflect on the first movie’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I think if we do a sequel, I would say let’s really, really take our time at getting it even better,”
Hamilton said.
Drawing on his experience in Formula 1, he proposed adopting a review process often used in racing but rare in filmmaking:
“Right now it’s about, which I don’t know if they’ve ever done before, but I’ve asked them to do a debrief, let’s review what we did, what we could have done better. I don’t know if they do that in the movie business but it’s something obviously I’ve learnt from here [in F1] and I try to apply that to future programmes.”
Impact of the Film and Next Steps
“F1: The Movie” had a significant impact on popularizing Formula 1 beyond its traditional audience by combining thrilling race sequences with a star-studded cast. Hamilton’s involvement lent credibility and insight into the sport’s realities, helping to capture genuine aspects of racing life. The success of the film has opened doors for more cinematic projects within the motorsport world, though Hamilton’s cautious approach suggests any continuation will focus on quality rather than speed.
With the British Grand Prix recently concluded and attention on new developments in Formula 1, including team and driver moves across the grid, the timing to reflect and plan carefully for future films appears well aligned. Hamilton’s experience as both a champion driver and co-producer will likely shape how any sequel is approached, prioritizing authenticity and a strong narrative.