Lewis Hamilton believes that the impending Brad Pitt film may entice more viewers to get the Formula One “bug.”
The film, which stars Pitt, Damson Idris, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem, is presently in production, with filming taking place at Grands Prix throughout the 2023 season, including the British GP.
Pitt and Idris took part in half of the Silverstone formation lap to shoot footage for the untitled project, which Hamilton is producing alongside Top Gun: Maverick director Thomas Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer.
After delays in production owing to Hollywood strikes, a release date of early 2025 has been proposed, but Hamilton is confident that the film’s exposure, combined with the increased presence of F1 in the United States, will lead to more fans ‘getting’ F1.
Hamilton in a film starring Brad Pitt
“The movie is a huge step in that direction of broadening the horizon,” Hamilton told RacingNews365 and other media outlets.
“I think that’s really part of the new Liberty leadership, with the great work that Stefano [Domenicali] and [Liberty Media CEO] Greg [Maffei are doing in terms of being open to trying new things.”
“The fact that we’re allowed to do this picture and have the concessions of having an extra team on track and working with these film stars is… It has never been attempted before.
“It’s fantastic that we’re doing things we’ve never done before, and I honestly think they’re doing an amazing job.”
“There was a huge spotlight on Vegas, which will also play an important part in our film, and we’re really just working as hard as we can to make sure it’s a true reflection of this legendary sport.” Both the old and the modern are present.
“Along with Miami, we have these great cities here with incredible fan bases in each of them, each providing a unique atmosphere.”
“I’ve always felt that we needed more than one race [in the United States] because the complaint was always that people had to get up at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. or something in the middle of the night to watch a Grand Prix.” As a result, getting into it is extremely difficult.
“Then, because it only comes to the country once a year, I think it’s really allowing it to be something with a lasting buzz.”
“But we do need to keep growing, and I believe the film will help us do that.”
“Because it is the only truly international or global sport, we must educate more and more people about it.” There are still many people out there who need to catch the virus, and there is much room for growth.”
