Lewis Hamilton key to new F1 Movie, says director

Joseph Kosinski Attributes F1 Movie Authenticity to Lewis Hamilton’s Involvement

The highly anticipated Formula One movie starring Brad Pitt could not have been made without the contributions of racing legend Lewis Hamilton, director Joseph Kosinski revealed on Friday. The project, backed by Apple Original Films and slated for a global theatrical release on June 25 (and June 27 in North America), benefited immensely from Hamilton's expertise, which ensured every detail about the sport was portrayed authentically.

Kosinski, best known for helming the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, spoke to reporters during an advance screening at the Canadian Grand Prix, emphasizing Hamilton's integral role in the film's development. The British driver, now racing for Ferrari after a dominant stint at Mercedes, not only served as a co-producer but was also involved through his Dawn Apollo production company.

Hamilton’s Key Role in the Film

Kosinski recounted the genesis of Hamilton's involvement: "I sent him an email and just said, 'I want to tell the story in your world. I want to make it as authentic as possible. Will you help me?'" Kosinski said. “And luckily Lewis said yes.”

The director revealed that this collaboration stemmed from an earlier interaction, where Hamilton had expressed interest in a role within Top Gun: Maverick. However, the Briton couldn’t participate due to his Formula One commitments at the time.

Hamilton's expertise proved invaluable for the movie, which was shot during real race weekends with the cooperation of Formula One and Liberty Media. Acting as a bridge between the filmmakers and F1 personnel, Hamilton advised on technical accuracy and was a key consultant for scenes involving fundamental facets of racing.

Attention to Detail

Kosinski shared an anecdote detailing Hamilton’s meticulous input: "At Hungary, for instance, he said, 'If Brad's going to let someone pass during a blue flag and he wants it to be as tight as possible, he's going to only do that at turn six,'" the director recalled. "That kind of detail ... from a seven-time world champion who lives and breathes this world every day, I couldn't have gotten that from anywhere else."

Hamilton’s contribution also extended into character development, serving as an inspiration for a scene where Pitt's character contemplates why he races in spiritual terms. "His involvement has been amazing. We couldn't make the film without him," Kosinski said.

A Collaborative Effort

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer echoed Kosinski’s sentiments, highlighting Hamilton's unwavering insistence on authenticity—even in the film’s sound design. At Silverstone, Hamilton pointed out auditory inconsistencies in gear shifts, suggesting corrections to reflect real-life scenarios. "It's that kind of detail that went into this," said Bruckheimer.

Hamilton, who acted as a driver advisor to Pitt and co-star Damson Idris, also noted that Pitt’s driving skills were legitimate, assuring fans that the movie would be "the most authentic racing film yet."

Timing Perfect for F1’s Popularity Surge

The movie arrives at a time when Formula One is experiencing soaring global popularity, driven by the success of Netflix’s docuseries Drive to Survive. The sport is particularly growing in the U.S. market, a trend Kosinski hopes the film will amplify.

"I think there's this perception that Drive to Survive turned America onto F1, but I think there's just so many more people out there that don't know anything about it," said Kosinski. "So there's a lot of potential still there."

An Authentic Racing Experience

With Hamilton's fingerprints all over the project, Formula One enthusiasts and general audiences alike can expect a unique blend of cinematic flair and racing authenticity when the movie debuts this summer.

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