Lewis Hamilton on ‘F1: The Movie’: “They’re Their Own Characters” as Film Nears Release

Lewis Hamilton Talks Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Real-Life Racing in ‘F1: The Movie’

As the release date for the highly anticipated F1: The Movie approaches on June 27, co-producer Lewis Hamilton is speaking out about his involvement in the project and whether his own Formula 1 journey inspired the film’s main characters, played by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.

At the London premiere, Hamilton—who’s both a seven-time world champion and now an emerging force in film production—was asked if his racing career served as inspiration for the characters. His answer? A firm no.

“I don’t think so. I think they’re their own characters,” Hamilton said. “Damson is just Damson. He gave it his all… He’s loving this experience. I remember watching his early footage and everyone saying, ‘Yeah, he’s the guy for this.’”

About the Film: APXGP, Legacy, and Mentorship

F1: The Movie follows Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a retired veteran F1 driver who returns to the grid to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) at a fictional team called APXGP. The film blends drama, mentorship, and edge-of-your-seat racing action—something fans of both F1 and cinema can get excited about.

Real 2024 F1 season footage will be used throughout the film to elevate the realism, with races shot on-site during Grand Prix weekends.

Hamilton’s Real Impact Behind the Scenes

Though the characters aren’t modeled after Hamilton, his fingerprints are all over the production. As co-producer, Hamilton was deeply involved in ensuring authenticity, working closely with the team on everything from script input to race sound design.

Brad Pitt praised Hamilton’s behind-the-scenes contributions in a conversation with F1 TV’s Will Buxton: “Lewis comes in for the ultimate 'sniff test.’ He’ll say, ‘That doesn’t fly,’ or ‘That sound isn’t Turn 16, it’s Turn 12.’ His level of precision is unreal,” Pitt said.

A Year of Highs and Lows for Hamilton

Off the track, Hamilton is thriving with this Hollywood collaboration—but 2024 has been a challenging season on the racing front. After shocking the motorsport world by announcing his switch to Ferrari for 2025, Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes hasn’t produced the results many had hoped for.

Ferrari’s SF-25 car has struggled, and Hamilton has yet to reach a podium finish in traditional races. His biggest success so far? A sprint race win in China after starting from pole.

Still, Hamilton remains energized, thanks in part to his creative pursuits. “I’m motivated by the new challenges,” he said recently. “And this film is one I really believe in—it’s a way to show the world what F1 is really about.”

More Than Just a Racing Film

F1: The Movie is shaping up to be more than just high-speed thrills. It’s about legacy, passion, teamwork, and pushing limits—both on and off the track. Hamilton’s vision and real-life insight have added credibility and emotional weight to the story.

With Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and a sport as cinematic as Formula 1, this film is primed to capture both motorsport fans and moviegoers alike.

F1: The Movie premieres in theaters worldwide on June 27. Get ready for a high-octane blend of fiction, real-world racing, and Hamilton-approved authenticity.