Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and one of the producers of the film ‘F1: The Movie,’ celebrated the film’s victory at the 79th British Academy Film Awards held on February 22, 2026. The movie earned the prestigious BAFTA award for Best Sound, marking a significant achievement for the production that aimed to capture the intensity of F1 racing. Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm on Instagram following the announcement, sharing his support for the movie’s success.
Background and Success of F1: The Movie
Released in June of the previous year, ‘F1: The Movie’ grossed over $600 million globally. Featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as drivers for the struggling Apex GP team, the film portrayed the challenges and drama of Formula 1 racing beyond the spotlight. Joseph Kosinski, who also directed the acclaimed ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ helmed the project, bringing a cinematic style that resonated with motorsport fans and moviegoers alike.
The film became Apple’s highest-grossing release, simultaneously boosting the company’s profile in Formula 1 broadcasting rights in the United States. Alongside the BAFTA, the movie also received recognition from the Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS), winning the 2026 Award for Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film.
Award Nominations and Competitions at Major Ceremonies
‘F1: The Movie’ earned three nominations at the BAFTAs: Best Sound, Best Editing, and Best Special Visual Effects. While the film secured the award for Best Sound thanks in part to Hans Zimmer’s critically acclaimed score, the other categories were won by ‘One Battle After Another’ for editing and ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ for visual effects. Furthermore, the film was nominated in four categories at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Sound, Visual Effects, and Film Editing.
Lewis Hamilton Praises Brad Pitt’s Portrayal of a Seasoned Racer
In the film, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver making a comeback in Formula 1. As a co-producer, Lewis Hamilton made certain that the racing sequences were authentic without turning the movie into a strictly documentary-style production. Hamilton highlighted Pitt’s performance, emphasizing how well the actor captured the complexities of a dedicated racer.
“I think he’s done an amazing job. He really brings a huge amount to the character of Sonny as a driver, but also to how his character nurtures an up-and-coming underdog. For racing drivers, it’s important to work as a team but ultimately every other driver on track is your competition – even your team mate. So, there’s a real fine line and I think you get to see that play out between these two characters played by Brad and Damson [Idris].” (via f1’s official website)
The film’s production involved shooting during actual F1 race weekends, with both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris participating in grid activities and pre-race national anthem ceremonies, enhancing the film’s realism and connection to the sport.
Impact and Future Prospects for F1 and Entertainment Collaboration
The success of ‘F1: The Movie’ demonstrates the growing appeal of Formula 1 beyond traditional sports audiences, bridging cinematic storytelling with real-world racing drama. Lewis Hamilton’s involvement both behind the scenes and as a promoter highlights the increasing crossover between athletes and entertainment media. With accolades from prestigious institutions like the BAFTAs and strong box office performance, the movie’s impact is likely to encourage further collaborations that deepen fans’ engagement with the sport through film and media.
As Formula 1 continues to expand its global reach, particularly through digital platforms and innovative content, projects like ‘F1: The Movie’ may well set a precedent for future endeavors that celebrate the sport’s cultural and competitive significance.
