As the excitement builds ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1 fans have another reason to be on the edge of their seats. Lewis Hamilton has opened up about the upcoming F1 movie — a project that’s been four years in the making and one that he has personally helped shape from day one.
The film, set for a global release on June 25 and arriving in North American theaters on June 27, is helmed by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and produced by Hollywood heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Brad Pitt, alongside Hamilton himself. Pitt stars as fictional former F1 driver Sonny Hayes, who returns to the grid to mentor rising rookie Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris) at the made-up APXGP team.
In an exclusive screening for F1 drivers held midweek in Monaco, Hamilton admitted to feeling nervous about how his peers would respond. “It’s been four years we’ve been working on that project,” he shared with reporters. “To see it go from a 30-page concept to a 130-page script… to work on the soundtrack, cast, and now watch it on the big screen — it’s been an incredible journey.”
Hamilton emphasized the delicate balance the team aimed to strike between cinematic drama and racing authenticity. “I didn’t want it to be just a Hollywood story. It needed to feel real — the chaos, the pressure, the underdog element, but with heart too,” he said. “Thankfully, the feedback has been really positive, especially from the other drivers, which means a lot to me.”
Beyond the narrative, Hamilton teased some groundbreaking technical elements that fans can look forward to. “We developed a brand-new camera system with Apple, one that’s never been used before in film,” he explained. “It captures racing from inside the cockpit in ways audiences have never seen. When you watch it, you’ll feel like you’re right there with us — in the heat of the moment, experiencing every turn and battle.”
Describing the film as “a thrill,” Hamilton noted it goes far beyond just racing. “It’s a story of redemption, competition, and even a bit of romance. There’s something for everyone — whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to the sport.”
With its star-studded production team, innovative filming techniques, and Hamilton’s own influence ensuring authenticity, F1 is shaping up to be more than just a racing movie — it’s set to be a defining moment for how motorsport is portrayed on the big screen.
