‘A gem and a gent’: Brad Pitt praises Hamilton’s role in F1 movie

Hollywood icon Brad Pitt and acclaimed director Joseph Kosinski have shed light on the indispensable contributions of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton to F1 The Movie, just days ahead of the blockbuster’s global release.

Formula 1 opened its doors wide to the production, but it was Hamilton’s dedication that elevated the film’s authenticity, making it a landmark collaboration between the sport and the silver screen.

From a casual conversation with Kosinski to a hands-on role in shaping the narrative and technical details, Hamilton’s input has been described as transformative by the film’s star and director.

From Casual Chat to Creative Cornerstone

Brad Pitt – who plays the role of comeback F1 veteran Sonny Hayes in the film – recounted the moment Hamilton’s involvement solidified the project’s momentum.

“When Lewis came on, then it was a go. And it was a simple phone call for me,” Pitt said, quoted by Motorsport.com.

“I remember we sat down that first time - and that's less about racing and more about just sitting with a gem of a human being. There's a reason... champions are made, I think, beyond just talent.”

Pitt’s admiration for Hamilton extends beyond his racing prowess.

“It's also how they carry themselves and how they face the world. And he is just a gem and a gent. Really, really,” he added.

“And then you come to what the expertise is that he has brought to this thing. He would give us like 12 hours in a day. We'd just sit and just query and throw questions at him - 'What about this?' - and he really helped shape us - shape this film.”

Hamilton Helped Get Every Detail Right

Director Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, echoed Pitt’s sentiments, describing Hamilton’s hands-on approach as vital to the film’s development.

According to Kosinski, Hamilton wasn’t merely a figurehead; he worked closely on story development and ensured that every element of the on-track experience was depicted with fidelity.

“Lewis Hamilton has been involved every step of the way – from creating the original story with me to getting every detail of the cars, from what gear you're in to what it sounds like when you're on the back straight,” Kosinski said.

“And he has just been invaluable in getting this right.”

Hamilton’s pursuit of authenticity occasionally increased production costs, as noted by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

“Sometimes we don’t like to hear some of the things he says, because it costs us more money to fix things, but we’re all in, we want to make it great, and he’s certainly helping us,” Bruckheimer said.

“Everything that he has brought to this movie, I can’t even express our thanks to him and all the folks from F1 who made this all possible.”

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Bruckheimer also underscored the unique perspective Hamilton provided.

“The authenticity that he brings, we just can’t imagine what goes into what a driver does and what the sport brings to an audience.”

With Hamilton’s expertise woven into its fabric, F1 The Movie promises to deliver a gripping and authentic portrayal of the sport, setting a new standard for motorsport films when it hits theaters worldwide.

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