Lewis Hamilton Hits Hollywood with ‘F1’: How Sports Icons Like Manning & Williams Strike Production Gold

Lewis Hamilton, renowned Formula 1 icon, is gearing up for a different kind of competition this summer — his debut as a movie producer with the film “F1 the Movie.” This action-packed project is a collaboration between his production company, Dawn Apollo Films, and Apple Original Films, and aims to make a significant impact at the box office.

In a recent cover story for The Bangin Beats alongside Apple’s Tim Cook, Hamilton shared insights into his transition from the racetrack to the film studio.

“Growing up, I felt confined to a single path, as if one could only excel in one area,” Hamilton said. “I was quite imaginative in school, but once I entered the racing world, I had to sideline many of those creative impulses. Over time, I’ve made it a point to carve out space to explore various creative avenues, which has really inspired me and boosted my confidence.”

Hamilton played a significant role in the creation of the racing film, which features Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as members of a determined, underdog racing team aiming for their first victory in the Formula 1 arena. The film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Joseph Kosinski, was shot during the 2023 and 2024 racing seasons. During this time, Hamilton juggled his responsibilities on the track with his new role as the movie’s producer.

“Visiting L.A. and spending time in Jerry’s office or Joe’s studio was surreal. We meticulously went through the screenplay, ensuring the dialogue and terminologies were true to what racers experience, down to the sounds of gear shifting,” Hamilton recounted. “Then, getting Hans Zimmer involved and visiting his studio to watch him work was a rollercoaster of emotions.”

Hamilton isn’t alone in his venture into the entertainment industry; athletes like LeBron James with his SpringHill Company and the late Kobe Bryant, who won an Oscar for his animated short film, have also made significant strides. Hamilton’s foray highlights the growing audience interest in diverse sports narratives beyond the traditional domains of football, basketball, and baseball.

Below are some more influential figures making their mark in Hollywood.