Hamilton’s Input Boosts Authenticity and Budget of Brad Pitt’s $3

Hamilton’s Input Boosts Authenticity and Budget of Brad Pitt’s $300M F1 Movie

The upcoming Formula 1 film, co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is shaping up to be one of the most expensive films ever made. Scheduled for release in 2025, the movie’s budget has reportedly surpassed $300 million, nearly $100 million more than the 1997 blockbuster Titanic. While producer Jerry Bruckheimer has disputed the exact figure, he acknowledged that Hamilton’s involvement has driven up production costs significantly.

Hamilton, serving as an executive producer, has contributed detailed insights to enhance the film’s realism. “Lewis gave us a critique on how drivers actually do various things,” Bruckheimer explained during Liberty Media’s investor day in New York. “For instance, at Silverstone in Turn 3, you’re in second gear, and he could hear with his ear that [Brad Pitt’s character] was in third gear. It’s that level of specificity he brings to the project.”

To ensure authenticity, the production team has gone to extraordinary lengths. Brad Pitt, who stars as a fictional driver, was given his own garage space at the British Grand Prix, positioned between Ferrari and Mercedes. The fictional team also drove a modified F2 car around Silverstone. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso confirmed his involvement, having filmed a scene for the movie.

Bruckheimer emphasized the value of Hamilton’s feedback in making the movie as accurate as possible. However, these insights have sometimes come with significant costs. “Sometimes we don’t like to hear what he says because it costs us more money to fix things, but we’re all in,” the 81-year-old producer remarked.

The film, produced by Apple Studios and helmed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), has sparked excitement for its unprecedented portrayal of F1. Despite its staggering budget, the project aims to captivate audiences by delivering an authentic and immersive representation of the sport.

While the film promises a thrilling cinematic experience, some within the F1 community reportedly harbor concerns about its depiction of teams. Red Bull, in particular, is said to fear being cast in a “villain” role, though details on the narrative remain under wraps.

Hamilton’s dual role as an F1 driver and creative consultant underscores his passion for accurately showcasing the intricacies of the sport. The combination of star power, meticulous detail, and groundbreaking production techniques makes this film one of the most anticipated releases in recent years.