Brad Pitt, Idris Elba, and Lewis Hamilton: The Inside Story of How Hamilton Helped Bring the ‘F1’ Movie to Life

When Brad Pitt and Damson Idris set out to make F1, a high-octane sports action drama capturing the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing, there was one person they needed in their corner: Lewis Hamilton. As a seven-time World Champion and one of the sport’s greatest icons, Hamilton’s involvement was not just a bonus — it was essential. And as it turns out, his role in bringing the F1 movie to life went far beyond a simple consulting credit.

Scheduled for release internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired driver making a comeback to mentor rookie sensation Joshua Pearce, played by Idris. But it’s Hamilton’s work behind the scenes that elevated the project from another Hollywood racing fantasy to a film rooted in authentic Formula 1 spirit.

An Executive Producer With Real Racing Authority

Hamilton’s fingerprints were on F1 from the earliest stages. As an executive producer alongside Pitt and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Hamilton was involved in shaping the story itself, drawing from his own experience as a young rookie climbing the ranks to a seasoned champion. Director Joseph Kosinski emphasized the depth of Hamilton’s impact, saying, “We couldn’t have made this film without him.”

Hamilton provided critical insights on the nuances of the driver-mentor relationship, the culture inside the paddock, and the mental and physical demands of the sport — adding real-world credibility that no scriptwriter or technical advisor alone could have matched.

Training Pitt and Idris to Drive Like Pros

Hamilton’s contributions weren’t limited to narrative advice. He took a hands-on role in helping Pitt and Idris learn how to handle real racing machinery. Early in production, Hamilton spent time at Silverstone Circuit, training the actors in modified Formula 2 cars adapted for filming.

Kosinski recalled one memorable moment: “It was me, Brad, and Lewis Hamilton at the track together, all of us jumping into cars and driving each other around in sports cars.” Hamilton evaluated Pitt’s driving from day one, working alongside real racers like Luciano Bacheta and Craig Dolby to ensure the stars could perform safely and convincingly on track.

This training proved critical as Pitt and Idris were filmed between real Formula 1 practice and qualifying sessions at major Grand Prix weekends, capturing the speed, noise, and energy of real-world racing with cameras rolling — no green screens required.

Protecting the Integrity of the Racing Scenes

Hamilton’s technical knowledge shaped not just the actors’ performances but the way the racing action itself was filmed. He offered guidance on racing lines, car behavior at high speeds, and subtle driver movements that would sell the realism to eagle-eyed F1 fans. His collaboration with Mercedes-AMG Petronas team principal Toto Wolff further ensured that real F1 equipment was used for maximum authenticity.

By working alongside drivers, engineers, and the film crew, Hamilton helped transform the set into what producer Jerry Bruckheimer called a “living, breathing sporting environment.” Scenes were filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, including the 2023 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with Idris and Pitt occasionally sharing the grid with stars like Max Verstappen.

A Film Rooted in Hamilton’s Passion for Storytelling

Hamilton has often spoken about wanting to bring a more diverse, human perspective to the world of Formula 1, and F1 reflects that ambition. He ensured the story wasn’t just about speed but about mentorship, ambition, and resilience — themes that have defined his own career.

As he continues racing into the twilight of his record-breaking career, Hamilton’s influence on F1 cements another legacy: helping Hollywood finally get Formula 1 right.

In the end, F1 isn’t just a movie about racing — it’s a love letter to the sport, crafted with the help of someone who knows exactly what it takes to live it. Without Lewis Hamilton’s passion, precision, and deep involvement, it’s clear this project would have never crossed the finish line quite the same way.