Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton might be considering trading the paddock for the red carpet in the next chapter of his career. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion produced the upcoming F1 movie and admitted that he was “nervous” about the rest of the grid watching the finished film.
“I’ve seen it like 20 times already – at least,” Hamilton told reporters on Thursday, following an exclusive F1 drivers and team principals screening.
“It was an incredible experience… to see what goes into making a movie right from the first treatment and first script, which was 30 pages – to then see it build into a story.”
Hamilton brought an authenticity to the film that could only be achieved with the input of a real F1 driver. However, he says he remained cognizant of the fact that “it’s still a Hollywood movie” that needs to balance realism and storytelling.
“It was great to look around and see some of the reactions from the drivers,” Hamilton said. “I really care what the drivers think and I wanted them to think highly of it… I was sat in the middle and I was nervous.
“I messaged them afterwards, welcoming their honest opinions about it… the timing may be off on a strategy stop or whatever it might be, but I think the great thing is the sound is great, the image is incredible, it’s something that’s never been done before so I’m really proud.”
Brad Pitt, American actor and film producer
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
In addition to bringing legendary composer Hans Zimmer on board, who Hamilton is “a big fan of,” he also spent time at the headquarters for Apple, which produced the new film.
“They have been just the best partner to work with,” he said of the film’s producer and distributer. “To get to go and meet Tim [Cook, Apple CEO] and have him give me a tour of their incredible Apple factory and building was insane.”
As for the future of Hamilton’s production company, Dawn Apollo Films, the Ferrari driver said he is already working on fresh ideas.
“Quite early on in the film, it starts telling you who produced the movie, and it came up with my name, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is crazy.’ We couldn’t go any higher for my first movie,” he said.
“We will be producing more movies over the coming years. I’ve got three concepts that I’ve written.”
Two of the upcoming projects will be animated features, Hamilton revealed, and one is already in the script development phase.
“It’s exciting,” he said, adding that documentaries and potential TV series are also on the table. “But mostly movies. Movies are what I love the most.”
Photos from Monaco GP – Thursday
