Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he is producing more films through his company Dawn Apollo Films after the debut screening of the new F1 movie to the Formula 1 community on Wednesday, just before the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. The film, F1: The Movie, which Hamilton co-produced, is set for international release on June 25, followed by its debut in the United States and Canada on June 27.
The movie was developed by Apple Original Films in collaboration with Formula 1, featuring Brad Pitt as the fictional racing driver Sonny Hayes, who makes a dramatic return with the APXGP team. Every Formula 1 driver from the current 2023 season also makes an appearance in the film.
Details on Hamilton’s Upcoming Film Plans and Production Experience
Hamilton shared that his first experience producing a film has been enormously rewarding and that he aims to continue creating movies in the years ahead. He revealed he has multiple film concepts in development, including two animated projects.
“So at least two of them will be animations, and one of them is already, in the phase of the first part of the script already, so it’s exciting.”
The seven-time world champion explained that although this is his first time writing scripts, he is collaborating with a writer to help bring his ideas to life.
Working alongside industry veterans Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, known for their collaboration on Top Gun: Maverick, Hamilton described the filmmaking process as a unique and insightful journey that broadened his understanding of movie production.
He stated:
“For me it was a really interesting and incredible experience to, firstly have the opportunity to work with Joe [Kosinski] and Jerry [Bruckheimer] and to learn from them, to see what goes on into making a movie.”
Hamilton was closely involved from the early script development stages to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of Formula 1 in the film. He worked with the writers Ehren and Joe to refine the story.
“As Jerry said, when he spoke to all the drivers and all the team members, it’s still a Hollywood movie, right?”
Reactions from Drivers at the Monaco Screening
During the premiere in Monaco, Hamilton sat among fellow drivers and admitted feeling nervous about their opinions on the film. He valued their views highly, stating,
“I really care what the drivers think.”
After the screening, Hamilton encouraged honest feedback from drivers, acknowledging that elements like race strategies or pit stops might not be perfectly accurate but hoping the overall portrayal would impress.
“The sound is great, the image is incredible, it’s something that’s never been done before, so it’s something I’m really proud of.”
Several drivers gave their perspective on the movie, highlighting both its entertainment value and impact in broadening F1’s appeal beyond the sport’s traditional audience.
Perspective from Charles Leclerc and Other F1 Drivers
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc praised the film’s cinematic quality and how it captured the excitement of F1, even though some details were dramatized for Hollywood’s storytelling style. He appreciated the filmmaking techniques, especially the innovative camera angles that give viewers a unique experience from inside and around the cars.
Leclerc noted Brad Pitt’s commitment to realism by personally driving the car during filming, which added to the authenticity. He believes the movie will attract new fans to the sport with its compelling narrative.
“So it’s really cool. And I think for F1 it’s amazing because we are reaching people that we wouldn’t have reached without this movie. There’s a cool storytelling as well, so that’s nice.”
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s portrayal of Formula 1 and applauded the production quality.
“The production did a fantastic job. I don’t want to give too much away, but I definitely hope that people from the outside are going to enjoy it.”
Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar found the experience of watching an F1 movie “weird” but believes it will grow the sport’s fan base, especially among younger audiences and novices.
“And as both said, it’s hard to give feedback, as drivers, because we’re really critical. But if you’re a kid or someone who doesn’t know about the sport, it’s the best way to get started.”
Williams’ Alex Albon noted the film balanced accuracy and entertainment, encouraging viewers to enjoy it as a Hollywood production rather than scrutinize every detail.
Meanwhile, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto highlighted the movie’s potential to educate new followers about Formula 1 through its engaging storyline.
“For us drivers, we live this every day, so we know every detail. Some stuff we realise – I don’t want to give spoilers or anything – but that’s what I’m sure will be good for the sport. And for those that don’t know so much about Formula 1, they can learn and get involved with us.”
Reasons Behind Verstappen and Stroll’s Absences at the Premiere
Notably, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll did not attend the Monaco premiere but both have committed to watching the movie after its public release. Stroll mentioned he had other commitments, while Verstappen preferred some private time.
Verstappen indicated he would download the film through Apple once available and spoke positively about the film’s reception so far.
“There was the opportunity to watch it – but if I watch it now or in three or four weeks, that’s fine as well. I heard good stuff about the movie, I’m sure it’s going to be exciting.”
Broadcast Schedule and Coverage for the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix continues Formula 1’s European triple-header this weekend, with extensive coverage on Sky Sports F1 and live streaming options via NOW. The race program begins on Friday, May 23, with F3 qualifying at 10 a.m. followed by Monaco GP practice sessions and F2 qualifying throughout the day.
Saturday, May 24, features the F3 Sprint race in the morning, the third F1 practice session, and the Monaco GP qualifying session at 3 p.m. Sunday’s schedule includes the F3 Feature Race, F2 Feature Race, and culminates with the Monaco Grand Prix starting at 2 p.m., followed by post-race coverage.
This comprehensive broadcasting ensures fans can follow every moment of the action at this prestigious circuit, underlining the excitement building around the event and the new F1 movie’s momentum.
