Lewis Hamilton on Producing the ‘F1’ Movie: “It’s the Most Authentic Racing Film Ever Made”
As excitement builds for the upcoming release of F1 The Movie—hitting international theaters on June 25 and North American screens on June 27—one of the film’s key driving forces, both literally and figuratively, is Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time World Champion isn’t just featured in the movie—he’s also a producer, working alongside acclaimed filmmaker Joe Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer. For Hamilton, the experience has been as exhilarating as any Grand Prix.
A Passion Project Years in the Making
“Being involved as a producer has been such an incredible learning journey,” Hamilton shared recently. “I’ve always loved storytelling and film, and I’ve been passionate about racing since I was a kid. This movie was a chance to merge those two worlds.”
Hamilton recalls the early development stages when he first met with Brad Pitt and discussed the project’s direction. From script meetings to casting sessions and on-track filming logistics, he’s had a hands-on role in shaping what promises to be a groundbreaking motorsport film.
Real Cars, Real Tracks, Real Racing
What sets F1 The Movie apart, Hamilton says, is its unmatched authenticity. The production team was granted rare access to film during real race weekends, creating a fictional 11th team—APXGP—to insert into actual race footage. The result blends real-world racing with cinematic storytelling in a way never before seen on screen.
“We’ve gone beyond just filming cars on track,” Hamilton explained. “From the engine sounds to the physics of a crash, every detail has been approached with precision. This film captures what it truly feels like to be inside a Formula 1 car.”
Hollywood Meets the Paddock
Brad Pitt, who stars in the film as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, also plays a producer role. His dedication to the project impressed Hamilton.
“I never imagined working with Brad Pitt, let alone teaching him racing lines at Silverstone!” Hamilton recalled. “He really wanted to understand what we go through as drivers—the pressure, the physical toll, the precision.”
The film also features Damson Idris as an up-and-coming racing talent. Both Pitt and Idris trained in actual race cars and filmed driving scenes at real tracks, adding another layer of realism.
From Fighter Jets to F1: Advanced Filmmaking Techniques
Director Joe Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda brought lessons from Top Gun: Maverick to the racetrack, using cutting-edge camera rigs and in-car systems to place the audience right inside the action. According to Hamilton, the result is an intense, immersive viewing experience.
“The visuals are raw and powerful—you really feel the speed,” he said. “It’s nothing like watching a normal race on TV.”
Bringing F1 to the Big Screen Like Never Before
Hamilton is eager for fans to finally experience the film he helped shape. “It’s been a journey, from early concepts to camera testing to seeing the final product on a cinema screen,” he said. “This movie captures the heart of Formula 1—the competition, the adrenaline, the sacrifice.”
With just 20 drivers in the world competing at this level, Hamilton sees F1 The Movie as a chance to offer fans a rare glimpse into that elite world. “I think people will walk away with a new appreciation for the sport,” he added. “And hopefully, they’ll feel like they’ve been right there in the cockpit with us.”
