Lewis Hamilton left ‘crying inside’ after huge film oppo…read more
Lewis Hamilton, renowned for his seven Formula 1 World Championships, almost added acting credits to his impressive resumé. The possibility of starring in a blockbuster film slipped away, and the experience left Hamilton “crying inside.” The story began when Hollywood star Tom Cruise, aware of Hamilton’s interest in acting, connected him with director Joseph Kosinski. The two discussed a potential role for Hamilton in Top Gun: Maverick, which was still in development at the time. However, Hamilton’s F1 commitments proved too demanding, and the filming schedule conflicted with his racing calendar, forcing him to turn down the opportunity.
When Cruise screened the film for Hamilton in London, the driver admitted to feeling disappointed. “I was crying a bit inside,” Hamilton told Time. “Ah, that could have been me!” The encounter, though brief, sparked an ongoing connection with Kosinski, who later reached out to Hamilton when he began working on another film project: a Formula 1-themed movie.
This project, titled F1, is set to be released in June 2025. Hamilton not only served as a producer on the film but also played a significant role in facilitating its production by introducing the filmmakers to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. This partnership gave the movie access to essential resources, including tracks, cars, and personnel, which should help elevate it as a must-see racing film.
Despite his behind-the-scenes contributions, Hamilton’s initial brush with acting still lingers in his mind. In addition to his commitment to Formula 1, Hamilton has expanded his interests into several side projects, including fashion, diversity initiatives, and film. He has even worked on developing his own film scripts, one of which he describes as a comedy and another focusing on pets.
While his time in Formula 1 keeps him extremely busy, it hasn’t stopped Hamilton from exploring creative endeavors. Although he missed out on the Top Gun: Maverick role, his continued involvement in the F1 movie signals that acting might not be completely out of reach in the future—just not while he’s still racing at the top of his game.
For now, Hamilton remains focused on his racing career, which is undergoing a significant change with his recent move to Ferrari after more than a decade with Mercedes. Despite the challenges of juggling such a demanding schedule, Hamilton seems to find a way to balance his passion for racing with his other ventures. Whether or not we’ll see him on-screen anytime soon remains uncertain, but his behind-the-scenes influence on the F1 film ensures his connection to the film industry continues to grow.
