Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and Ferrari driver, took on a new role as a producer for the upcoming F1 movie, revealing he felt nervous before showing the film to his fellow drivers. The exclusive screening, held recently, marked the first time many from the F1 community saw the finished product, prompting Hamilton to admit how important their opinions were to him.
Speaking after the event, Hamilton expressed his mixed emotions, having already watched the film around 20 times. He explained that while the project was deeply personal, it also needed to strike a balance between drama and realism, reflecting the true nature of the sport without compromising on storytelling.
Insights into the Film’s Creation and Hamilton’s Cinematic Journey
Hamilton described the filmmaking process as remarkable, highlighting his close involvement from the early scriptwriting stages through to the final cut. He praised the way the story evolved from a concise 30-page treatment into a full cinematic experience that captured the essence of Formula 1.
“It was an incredible experience… to see what goes into making a movie right from the first treatment and first script, which was 30 pages – to then see it build into a story.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and film producer
Despite his excitement, Hamilton admitted feeling nervous during the screening, especially as he sat surrounded by his F1 peers, wanting to ensure the film met their expectations. Afterward, he reached out to the drivers for their honest feedback, understanding that some technical details, like race strategy timings, might not be perfect but emphasizing the overall quality of the production.
“I messaged them afterwards, welcoming their honest opinions about it… the timing may be off on a strategy stop or whatever it might be, but I think the great thing is the sound is great, the image is incredible, it’s something that’s never been done before so I’m really proud.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and film producer
Collaborations Behind the Scenes: Music, Technology, and Vision
To bring a unique dimension to the movie, Hamilton collaborated with renowned composer Hans Zimmer, whose musical expertise added depth to the storytelling. Hamilton called himself a big fan of Zimmer’s work, suggesting that this partnership greatly enhanced the film’s emotional impact.
He also visited Apple’s headquarters to work closely with the company producing and distributing the film, describing the experience as thrilling. Hamilton recounted a tour of the Apple facility led by CEO Tim Cook, which deepened his appreciation for the innovative support behind the project.
“They have been just the best partner to work with. To get to go and meet Tim [Cook, Apple CEO] and have him give me a tour of their incredible Apple factory and building was insane.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and film producer
Future Plans for Dawn Apollo Films and Upcoming Projects
Hamilton’s involvement in filmmaking is expanding through his production company, Dawn Apollo Films. He revealed that the F1 movie marked an ambitious start and that he is currently developing several new ideas. Early revelations during the film’s credits, where his name appeared as producer, left him both surprised and excited for what lies ahead.
“Quite early on in the film, it starts telling you who produced the movie, and it came up with my name, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is crazy.’ We couldn’t go any higher for my first movie.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and film producer
Among the projects in development are two animated features, with one already in the scripting stage. Hamilton also expressed interest in producing documentaries and possibly television series, though he emphasized that his passion remains firmly rooted in making movies.
“We will be producing more movies over the coming years. I’ve got three concepts that I’ve written. It’s exciting… But mostly movies. Movies are what I love the most.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and film producer
Significance of Hamilton’s New Path and F1 Movie Screening
Hamilton’s step into the world of film production highlights a significant evolution in his career, blending his passion for motorsport with a creative vision off the track. His willingness to involve fellow drivers and industry leaders in the film’s development showcases a dedication to authenticity, as well as a desire to push boundaries in sports storytelling.
This film and Hamilton’s growing portfolio with Dawn Apollo Films suggest a promising future that could see him become a major voice in sports cinema, inspiring fans and expanding the reach of Formula 1 beyond the racetrack. With Apple’s backing and established collaborators like Hans Zimmer, Hamilton’s productions are poised to attract widespread attention and bring new perspectives to motorsport entertainment.
