Hamilton reveals why he “jumped” at the chance to make Apple’s “F1” movie happen

When the opportunity arose for Lewis Hamilton to bring Formula 1 to the silver screen, there wasn’t a chance he was going to say no. But he, director Joseph Kosinski, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer needed camera technology good enough to do the idea justice. Apple was the answer, and CEO Tim Cook is very proud of this fact.

Hamilton’s part in the Apple Original Films production was more than just a name in the credits. He was instrumental in making sure the film stayed as close to the source material as possible while giving the viewer the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the action both visually and audibly.

“I’ve always loved film. So much of my life has been inspired by things I’ve seen in movies, whether it’s clothing, whether it’s just stories that have just been uplifting, that have got me past difficult times,” Hamilton explained on a video shared to X by the driver.  ”I jumped at it to get it authentic, to get the technology, to get that real live action experience. There’s only one company that could make it happen. That wouldn’t have been possible without Apple. “

Cook joined Hamilton in the video, discussing the technology his company was able to bring to the production.

 ”Apple’s always stood at the intersection of the liberal arts and technology. It feels wonderful to be a part of getting this out to the world. You’ve really contributed a lot too,” he says, turning to Hamilton. “I mean, you can tell from the movie how authentic it is.”

Lewis Hamilton at the World Premiere of F1 The Movie

Photo by: Getty Images

Using components from the iPhone 15 Pro, engineers from the company were able to create camera technology that could withstand the onslaught of being placed on a Formula 2 racing car. They were built into the Mercedes-developed machines, and boasted A17 Pro chips and 48-megapixel sensors. 

“To get people to feel what we are feeling like in the car – as close as you can possibly get – we needed that technology and we needed that camera,” Hamilton said. “And we got to utilise Apple’s amazing team in pushing technology and pushing the boundaries in camera making, and they’ve created these new cameras.”

Cook continued: “We made a mini in terms of the size but not the impact, I hope. It does make you feel like you are a part of it. And obviously if you’re going to do a movie about F1. You’ve got to feel that you’re in the car”

The production was filmed within the walls of Grand Prix weekends alongside the drivers of the championship. This allowed the leading actors, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, to get as close to the reality of a race weekend as possible. This immersion can be felt while watching. 

“ Like even for me – I’m watching it, I’m like, wow,” Hamilton said. “You actually feel the speed, you feel. Yeah. You get the rush. You get the goosebumps.”