F1: The Movie had a soaring start in cinemas, with a global box office revenue of nearly 150 million dollars on its opening weekend and rave reviews from fans. The creators even hinted at a possible sequel to their blockbuster project in interviews. However, Lewis Hamilton, who was closely involved as an executive producer on the Formula 1 film, warns against hasty plans for a second part.
Although the film has only been in cinemas since last week, there are already rumors swirling about a sequel. Hamilton, who oversaw the authenticity of the production among other things, tempered those expectations. During a press moment before the GP of Great Britain, he explained that no hasty decisions should be made. The first part should be allowed to settle first.
“I saw someone talking about it, but the first part has just finished,” Hamilton laughed to the media at Silverstone. “This film was four years in the making. It was a tremendous amount of work, especially for Joe (director Joseph Kosinski, ed.). You’re away from your family and children for a long time. A sequel is the last thing we’re thinking about right now.” According to Hamilton, all those involved should first take the time to celebrate the success before even thinking about a second Formula 1 film. “You just have to let this settle, just enjoy it,” he said. “The worst thing we can do is hastily make a sequel.”
Debriefing
“Most sequels are far worse than the original,” Hamilton noted, referring to a well-known Hollywood stigma. “So if we do it, we really need to take the time to make it even better.” Hamilton also indicated that he has not yet spoken with Joseph Kosinski or producer Jerry Bruckheimer about concrete plans for a sequel. “But if I had, I wouldn’t tell you right away,” he added with a laugh.
Finally, Hamilton revealed that he is bringing his experiences from Formula 1 to the film industry. With his new production studio, Dawn Apollo, he has many projects in the pipeline, as he revealed during the race weekend in Monaco. He suggested organizing a debriefing for F1: The Movie, as is customary in motorsport. “I don’t know if they ever do that in the film industry, but I asked them to hold a debriefing,” he explained. “Let’s see what we did well and what we could have done better. That’s something I learned in Formula 1 and now want to apply to future projects.”
