Lewis Hamilton significantly influences the ‘F1’ film, serving as more than just a high-end advisor.
In a year, “F1” will hit the screens. This is the eagerly awaited film among motorsport enthusiasts, featuring Brad Pitt in the lead role (alongside Damson Idris).
We will follow the trials of APXGP, the struggling eleventh team, as Pitt decides to mentor the young Idris…
While Apple supports the film behind the scenes, one man in particular played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life: luxury advisor, Lewis Hamilton.
“It all starts with Lewis,” recently confirmed Jerry Bruckheimer, the co-producer, to Deadline.
“From Lewis, we went to Mercedes, from Mercedes, we got the car; so if you do it this way, the right way, it’s not as hard as you might think. Then, we went to see Stefano [Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One group], we went to see Mohammed Ben Sulayem, [president of the FIA], we went to see the directors of each team.”
Lewis Hamilton also serves as the technical advisor for the F1 film. But what exactly does his contribution entail?
Kosinski, the director of the film, shared some insights into the real involvement of the Mercedes F1 driver… whom he has known since at least Top Gun.
“He’s the first person I contacted three years ago. I knew that for the film to be as authentic as possible, it needed a team member who lives it day after day.”
“Lewis has been an incredible partner; he jumps on Zoom meetings with me between races to go through the script, line by line, turn by turn, you know, tire compound by tire compound, to ensure we get all the details right. Additionally, he also has a say in the creative and storytelling aspects.”
A Film to Prove its Worth
Although directors have denied the rumoured $300 million budget, to turn a profit, the F1 movie will nonetheless need to be a blockbuster hit in US cinemas. Despite the success of Drive to Survive, Formula 1 is less popular than IndyCar in the States. Does this concern Kosinski, the director? How does he plan to appeal to both novices and sports purists?
“Formula 1 is somewhat the pinnacle of motor racing, so I think over the next year, we will certainly try to convey that message. But ultimately, we are making a film that, even if you have never attended a race or know nothing about it, will still deliver a compelling story and teach you a great deal about the sport as you watch.”
“I’m sure people didn’t go see Top Gun as experts on naval aviation, but by watching the film, we made sure you understood the emotional stakes, as well as just enough about the world to grasp what was happening. We are doing the same thing here.”
The human element will also be central to the film: one can expect Brad Pitt and his teammate to have their fair share of off-track and on-track disputes, continues co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
“It’s the only sport where your teammate is also your rival, and that’s a drama in itself. Think about it: you are fighting with your own teammate for a spot on the podium. And everything we use in the film has actually happened during an F1 race. No one can say, ‘That would never happen.’ It has happened.”
“For the die-hards, who really know the races, they will find themselves inside a race and witness events that have occurred, from the perspective of our characters. It’s a fun sleight of hand to perform, and I think people will really enjoy it.”
Even though the film is co-produced by Apple, it will be shown in cinemas, including with IMAX technology. This was crucial for Kosinski…
“The film is shot for the big screen and there will be an IMAX version which includes more than an hour in IMAX format, that is, in full screen, which will provide a wider image. We always envisioned it as a film meant for the cinema. As for when and where it will be released, I think that is still to be determined, but the only way to see it upon its first release will be in cinemas.”
Directors deny F1 film cost $300 million. “The figure is far below what has been reported”
According to the British press, the budget for the F1 film exceeds $300 million—not accounting for recent delays due to the Hollywood screenwriters’ strike. That’s nearly double the capped annual budgets for F1 teams!
Consequently, “F1” (the film’s title) would become one of the 8 or 9 most expensive films in history!
However, this staggering amount has been disputed by the film’s teams, particularly by co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
“People don’t realise that, firstly, we are filming in countries offering tax breaks: substantial reductions in the UK, across Europe, and in Abu Dhabi as well. All these reduce the budget. Moreover, we have raised more money for our car [through sponsorship] than some Formula 1 teams. Taking all this into account, the figure is much lower than one might think.”
“We can’t give you a figure because it’s Apple’s money and they can discuss it. But I think it’s safe to say the figure is far below what has been reported.”
Kosinski, the director (formerly of Top Gun Maverick), also confirms that the reported budget overrun is completely false.
“I will simply say that in many of the films I’ve worked on, figures tend to be inflated for one reason or another, but I’ve never experienced such a significant error in a film. I do not know where this $300 million figure came from.”
- You may also like>Horner Foresees ‘Normal F1’ Post-Red Bull Reign
- Following us on>Facebook and>Twitter
Lewis Hamilton: More Than a Cameo in ‘F1’ Lewis Hamilton: More Than a Cameo in ‘F1’. F1 2025 Lewis Hamilton: More Than a Cameo in ‘F1’
