Lewis Hamilton, renowned Formula 1 driver for Ferrari, recently shared insights about his first Hollywood movie experience as a co-producer of the much-anticipated F1 film. Speaking at the world premiere in New York, Hamilton revealed how he balanced this new venture with his enduring commitment to Formula 1, reflecting on past decisions where racing took precedence over acting opportunities.
Choosing Racing Over Acting: Hamilton’s Missed Film Opportunity
Before his involvement with the F1 movie, Hamilton was offered a role in the 2018 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” starring Tom Cruise. At the time, Hamilton was still racing for Mercedes and deeply engaged in a fierce championship battle with Sebastian Vettel. His focus on securing points in Formula 1 meant that he had to decline the acting opportunity, prioritizing his career on the track over Hollywood fame.
Seizing the Chance with the F1 Movie Directed by Joseph Kosinski
When the F1 film project began, directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed “Top Gun: Maverick,” Hamilton eagerly embraced the chance to contribute. He expressed at the New York premiere that partnering with Kosinski and working on the script was a rewarding journey. Hamilton described the experience as remarkable, especially considering his earlier decision to forego acting in favor of racing.
“It’s been an incredible-incredible experience from the moment that I spoke to Joe (Joseph Kosinski) about being a Maverick and then having to turn down that experience [of] being in that movie to then getting to work on this script with him and get to work on this movie.”
—Lewis Hamilton, F1 Driver and Co-producer
Maintaining Authenticity in the F1 Film: Praises from Esteban Ocon
One concern surrounding the F1 film was that Hollywood might overdramatize the sport for entertainment. However, Hamilton played an essential role in preserving its authenticity, ensuring that the depiction remained faithful to real racing. Fellow F1 driver Esteban Ocon highlighted how Hamilton’s influence helped keep the movie realistic while still appealing to a wider audience.
“I really see where Lewis has put his touch to manage to try and make everything as realistic as possible. You can really feel that Lewis has pushed to keep it super realistic.”
—Esteban Ocon, F1 Driver
“But there were some parts that they needed to make it a little bit more Hollywood, which is obviously for all the public and needs to be catching the eye of everyone. I think proper racing fans will enjoy it. They are going to comment about some of the things that maybe don’t make 100% sense.”
—Esteban Ocon, F1 Driver
Release and Future Impact of the F1 Movie
The F1 movie, shaped by Hamilton’s commitment to authenticity and Kosinski’s direction, is set to premiere on June 27. With Hamilton’s involvement bridging the worlds of competitive racing and cinema, the film is expected to resonate well with both dedicated racing fans and general audiences. This crossover highlights how Formula 1 continues to expand its influence beyond the racetrack, inspiring more accurate portrayals in popular culture.
