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Lewis Hamilton urges caution on sequel plans after success of ‘F1’ movie

Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

Formula 1 World Champions: A legacy of racing legends

Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

Lewis Hamilton Urges Caution on Potential Sequel for Hit "F1" Movie

Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has advised filmmakers against rushing into a sequel for the newly released "F1" movie, which has already achieved remarkable box-office success. Speaking on Thursday ahead of the British Grand Prix, the seven-time F1 World Champion emphasized the importance of savoring the accomplishment and carefully evaluating the potential for a follow-up.

The sports drama, which features Hollywood A-lister Brad Pitt as a seasoned driver attempting a late-career comeback, has resonated with audiences. According to studio estimates, the film earned $55.6 million in North American theaters and $144 million globally during its opening weekend, making it Apple’s most successful theatrical release to date.

Hamilton Calls for Patience

Hamilton, who served as an executive producer for the film, shared his thoughts on the possibility of a sequel during a press conference.

"We literally just finished it, so I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel,” Hamilton said. "It’s been four years in the making. It was a lot of work, particularly for [director Joseph Kosinski]. It’s time away from your family, it’s time away from your kids, and also you need this to just simmer for a while, you know. Like, let’s enjoy it."

The Mercedes driver stressed the importance of patience and quality, warning against succumbing to the temptation of fast-tracking a second installment.

"The worst thing we probably could do is to rush into doing a sequel," Hamilton remarked. "Most sequels are way worse, and so we don’t need to rush it. I think if we do do a sequel, I would say let's really, really take our time in getting it even better."

Applying Formula 1 Insights to Filmmaking

Hamilton also revealed that he brought elements of his racing world into filmmaking, suggesting the team engage in a "debrief" to analyze their work before moving forward—similar to what Formula 1 teams do after races.

"Let’s review what we did, what we could have done better," he explained. "I don’t know if they ever do that in the movie business, but it’s something obviously I’ve learned from here."

A Commitment to Excellence

With the film already receiving strong financial and critical acclaim, Hamilton’s comments underline his commitment not only to excellence in motorsports but also to the success of his ventures beyond the track. For fans of Formula 1 and cinema alike, the film’s debut has been an exciting crossover moment—but Hamilton insists that the next chapter, if there is one, must be handled with care and precision.

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