It's only a matter of time before a woman returns to the grid in Formula 1, so Lewis Hamilton wants to see that representation when he debuts his upcoming film on the silver screen.
The Mercedes marvel will headline as a producer on the as-yet-unnamed movie that will be set in the future, where the current mantras of motorsport will be a distant memory. Two-time Academy Award -winner Brad Pitt is in place to headline the cast, but Hamilton is highly concerned when it comes to the film's female stars.
Or more specifically the roles those women portray, having highlighted his desire to challenge gender norms in the production. As the only black driver on the F1 grid, Hamilton has struggled with diversity issues throughout a sparkling career and wants to use his creation as a means of promoting change.
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“My job and I think responsibility is to make sure it is diverse,” the seven-time world champion told reporters. “In terms of like having diversity and representation, I want it to be as Formula 1 should be in the future or should be now, but will be in the future.
“So I want to see female mechanics, we would love to see a female driver. We haven’t got to that point just yet, but why not?"
The film is being crafted in collaboration with Dawn Apollo Films—a production company set up by Hamilton in 2022—but is also backed by Apple Films. It's understood filming will begin at some point in 2023, with F1 events over the latter half of the upcoming season set to be part of the production.
Joseph Kosinski will direct the Apple TV+ feature after impressing in the hot seat for Top Gun: Maverick. Hamilton said he recently spoke with Pitt, 59, about potential characters and was excited to receive the latest rewrite of the script before cameras get rolling.
The film has also enlisted the aid of legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, whose credits include hits like Black Hawk Down, Con Air and The Rock, as well as all films in both the Top Gun and Bad Boys franchises.
Hamilton, 38, has shown an interest in making the transition to Hollywood once his career in F1 is over, having already had roles in the Cars films and Zoolander 2. The upcoming campaign is the last on his current deal with Mercedes, though it's expected he'll sign an extension as he seeks a record-breaking eighth world championship.
Almost half a century has passed since Lella Lombardi was the last woman to make an F1 start (1976), though the likes of Susie Wolff and Jamie Chadwick have been involved more recently as test and development drivers. Having spent so much of his driving career operating ahead of his time, it should come as no surprise Hamilton is thinking several steps ahead as he plots his next step to the silver screen.
