Lewis Hamilton has not dismissed the idea of a sequel to the successful F1: The Movie but has cautioned that pushing to release one too quickly would be unwise. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Hamilton emphasized the importance of allowing the original film to settle before considering another installment.
The film, starring Brad Pitt, achieved remarkable success as Apple’s top box office release, grossing $144 million worldwide during its opening weekend. Hamilton was deeply involved in the project as a co-producer and consultant, working closely with director Joe Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, with filming taking place at various grand prix events over 2023 and 2024.
Reflections on the Production Process and Film’s Reception
Hamilton detailed the time and effort invested in bringing the movie to life, noting how the production demanded significant sacrifices.
“We literally just finished it, so I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel,”
Hamilton said. He highlighted the long duration of the project, which spanned four years and required time away from family and personal commitments.
He further explained,
“It’s been four years in the making. It was a lot of work, particularly for Joe [Kosinski]. It’s time away from your family, it’s time away from your kids, and also you need this to just simmer for a while, you know. Like, let’s enjoy it.”
Hamilton’s remarks suggest a desire to respect the creative process and not rush the momentum the film has gained.
Concerns Over Potential Pitfalls of Sequels
The seven-time world champion warned that rushing a sequel could be detrimental. He observed that many sequels tend to fall short of expectations, quoting,
“Most sequels are way worse, so we don’t need to rush it.”
Hamilton urged that if a sequel is pursued, the focus should be on enhancing the quality rather than expediting the process.
“I think if we do a sequel, I would say let’s really, really take our time in getting it even better,”
he added.
Hamilton’s Continued Involvement Beyond Filming
Even after production wrapped, Hamilton continues to impart his Formula 1 expertise to the filmmakers. He revealed he has requested a debrief session similar to the post-race meetings used in F1 teams to analyze performance.
“I don’t know if they’ve ever done this before, but I’ve asked them to do a debrief,”
Hamilton stated.
“Let’s review what we did, what we could have done better. I don’t know if they ever do that in the movie business, but it’s something obviously I’ve learned from here.”
Collaboration Within the F1 Community During the Film’s Creation
Hamilton played a central role throughout the development and scriptwriting stages, serving as an important link between the filmmakers and people within the F1 paddock. The movie features cameos from several prominent figures, including team principals Zak Brown, Toto Wolff, and Fred Vasseur, adding authenticity to the portrayal of the racing world.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Franchise
The success of F1: The Movie has generated significant interest, yet Hamilton’s calls for patience underscore the need to maintain the integrity and impact of the story. By allowing the original film to rest and be fully appreciated, any future installments can be crafted with greater care and attention. This approach may help avoid the common pitfalls seen in rushed sequels and maintain the high standards set by the current production.
