Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Friday that he would not appear in the Brad Pitt-starrer Brad Pitt-based Mercedes Racer co-producer because he did not want to flop.
Apple TV said earlier this week that its studio branch has acquired the rights to the feature, which will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, director of the recently released blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick.”
It said Kosinski would co-produce the film with Hamilton, Plan B Entertainment, Jerry Brookhammer and Chad Oman.
“This is a really great project,” Hamilton told reporters at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday.
“We’re already working on a script, for example… which is fun, having a good time with Brad, which is very epic,” said the 37-year-old.
Hamilton, one of the most successful drivers in Formula One history, has a variety of interests outside of sports, including fashion and music, and has also starred in the song Christina Aguilera.
He is a passionate advocate for human rights, social justice, equality and the environment.
Hamilton, who is currently involved in making a documentary about him, said he saw his role in ensuring diversity between the cast and crew.
He also wanted the film, in which Apple TV portrays Pitt as a driver who will retire from competing with sports giants to capture the essence of Formula One.
“I don’t think I’m in it, no,” Hamilton said.
“It’s really my responsibility and all I do is make sure the cast and crew are diverse in background.
“It’s about showing people who have probably never seen this game how great the game really is, but also about making sure we see the true heritage and true racing spirit in the movie. Keep it up.”
He did not rule out the possibility of inviting fellow drivers to participate.
“There are a lot of people in the game who are part of it, helping to educate the people who are trying to make this movie,” Hamilton said.
“We are already discussing how to capture some footage.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“But we’re not actors … we don’t want to make this movie nonsense, so maybe I won’t take part in it.”