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Hamilton’s Blunt Advice Rewrote ‘F1’ — Now a Record Box-Office Hit

New interviews recount the Oxford dinner that recast Brad Pitt as a veteran to keep the story credible.

Overview

  • Toto Wolff said Lewis Hamilton told Brad Pitt he was “much too old” to play a current championship contender, prompting a rewrite toward a veteran–comeback role.
  • Director Joseph Kosinski praised Pitt and co-star Damson Idris as naturally skilled drivers after months of training that Hamilton helped oversee.
  • The team filmed on live Grand Prix weekends with the actors actually driving at high speeds, supported by Apple’s new in-car camera technology for immersive footage.
  • The movie has earned over $628 million worldwide to become the highest-grossing sports film, drawing approval from F1 drivers and team bosses at the Monaco premiere.
  • Kosinski said early talks on a sequel are beginning, and Warner’s release will stream on Apple TV starting Dec. 12.