Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion and co-producer of the hit film F1: The Movie, has shared his thoughts on a potential sequel following the movie’s impressive box office performance. The Apple-produced film, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, earned $144 million during its opening weekend and has now grossed over $310 million worldwide.
Hamilton played an instrumental role in ensuring the film’s accuracy, acting as a consultant to challenge any unrealistic portrayals of the sport. With director Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, leading the project, the film’s intense racing sequences garnered praise. However, Hamilton acknowledged that despite its success, the production was not without flaws.
Hamilton’s Cautious View on a Follow-Up Film
Ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where he spoke to media including GPFans, Hamilton was asked about discussions surrounding a sequel. He declined to confirm any details, 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.”
The F1 star emphasized the effort that went into the original movie, which took four years to develop, and highlighted the personal sacrifices involved, especially for director Joe Kosinski. Hamilton expressed the importance of allowing the first film to settle before considering another project, warning against rushing the process since most sequels tend to be inferior.
He explained that if a sequel does move forward, it should be approached with a meticulous focus on quality. Hamilton said he has encouraged a formal review of the production to identify strengths and areas for improvement, an approach inspired by practices within Formula 1 itself.
“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,”
he shared.
Reception and Challenges of the First Film
Despite becoming Apple’s most commercially successful film to date, F1: The Movie faced criticism, particularly concerning its depiction of women within the sport. Hamilton’s cautious stance on a sequel reflects a desire to address such concerns thoughtfully rather than hastily greenlighting another installment.
The film’s success has also sparked conversations about the broader influence of motorsport in cinema, combining authentic racing action with dramatic storytelling. Hamilton’s involvement helped ensure this balance was maintained, but the process proved demanding.
Future Prospects in F1 and Beyond
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, key figures such as Toto Wolff and Sergio Perez remain in the spotlight for their roles both on and off the track. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry’s interest in the sport appears strong, although Hamilton’s comments suggest that further cinematic projects will require careful planning and time to develop.
The cautious approach Hamilton advocates underscores the importance of quality over speed, ensuring any future movie projects uphold the standard set by the original film, while potentially learning from its criticisms and successes alike.
