F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Opens Up On Upcoming Formula One Movie - "Needs To Be So Authentic"

Lewis Hamilton has given fans insight into his role in the upcoming Formula One movie.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis Hamilton recently shared insights into his involvement in the much-anticipated Formula One film during a discussion with GQ Magazine, highlighting the importance of authenticity. He expressed the need for the film to resonate with both long-standing enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Lewis Hamilton stresses the necessity for the upcoming F1 movie to capture the sport's essence accurately to appeal to both traditional and new fans.
• Hamilton recounts his experiences on set, particularly at Silverstone, and praises Brad Pitt's genuine racing skills and knowledge.
• The film, possibly titled "Apex", faced delays due to industry strikes but is set to resume filming, with a release expected by the end of summer 2025.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is co-producing the upcoming film, thought to be called Apex. During a recent in-depth interview with GQ, the British driver gave fans some insight into his role:

“My point was: Guys, this movie needs to be so authentic.

“There’s two different fan groups that we have – like, the old originals, who from the day they’re born hear the [BBC] Grand Prix music every weekend and watch with their families, and the new generation that just learned about it today through Netflix."

Hamilton continued:

“I felt my job really has been to try to call BS. ‘This would never happen.’ ‘This is how it would be.’ ‘This is how it could happen.’ Just giving them advice about what racing is really about and what, as a racing fan, would appeal and what would not.”

Feb 9, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brad Pitt, winner of the award for best performance by an actor / Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY

A memorable moment for Hamilton was witnessing Brad Pitt's natural affinity for racing at Silverstone.

“Being at Silverstone and just finding out that Brad [Pitt] is actually a racer at heart. He’s genuinely got the abilities, the skills.

“I think he’s always loved bikes. And so he’s watched a lot of motor racing. When I was younger, I worked at a driving school to help pay my bills, just getting around to these races and stuff.

“Companies would come with 70 people. And they’re on the wrong side of the road – they’re on the inside line driving towards an apex of a turn. Just no knowledge. Brad knew what part of the track to be on.”

The journey to bring "Apex" to the silver screen has not been without its challenges. The film's production was temporarily halted due to strikes within the Screen Actors' Guild and Writers' Guild of America. However, filming has now reportedly resumed.