In a surprising turn of events, the Lewis Hamilton-directed Formula One film, with a reported budget of £14m, is said to have discarded most of its footage, raising questions about the project’s future.
The unnamed movie, featuring Hollywood star Brad Pitt, has been shrouded in uncertainty. Despite Hamilton expressing aspirations for the film to surpass the impact of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, recent allegations suggest that the producers have opted to reshoot the entire movie due to a change in sponsorship, leaving the initial footage abandoned.
Reportedly, a production company invested over £14m ($20m) in crafting a full grid of replica F1 cars meticulously designed to mirror those featured in the 2023 season. However, unconfirmed reports now indicate that this significant investment is poised for a reshoot, with no specified reasons provided for scrapping the original scenes. The unexpected development has added an air of intrigue and speculation to the fate of the ambitious F1 film.
A Junior executive working on the film is quoted as telling Business F1 Magazine: “The sponsorships have all changed, we can no longer use a large amount of the scenes we have shot.”
The upcoming film, set to feature 59-year-old Brad Pitt, has encountered challenges, according to reports. Allegedly, there are notable gaps in the cast, and concerns have been raised about the script not meeting the required standard. The production team, previously spotted filming at Silverstone during the Great British Grand Prix in July, included Pitt, who was seen in costume by fans and interviewed by Sky Sports before the race, ultimately won by Max Verstappen.
Scheduled to direct the film was Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Championship winner. Hamilton had expressed his hopes that the film would surpass the impact of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, a series widely praised for its role in strengthening F1’s fanbase. Despite the setbacks, Pitt, in his interactions, conveyed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s great to be here. We’re just having such a laugh, [the] time of my life.” The developments surrounding the film continue to unfold amidst speculation and anticipation.
“I’ve been really incredibly grateful to them,” Hamilton said of the production team earlier this year.
“I don’t know if this would have been possible 10-plus years ago when the old management was in place. They wouldn’t have perhaps seen this as an important step in terms of the sport’s growth.
“But we’ve already seen the great work and impact of the Netflix show, and I think this will take it to new heights beyond that.”
