Lewis Hamilton-Produced 'F1' Feature Film Earns Four Oscar Nominations, Driver Calls Recognition 'Tremendous Honour'

The Lewis Hamilton-produced feature film F1 has secured four nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards, a significant milestone that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion described as "incredibly surreal" and a "tremendous honour." The highly anticipated motorsport epic, which debuted in June 2025, received nods in prestigious categories including Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects, solidifying its critical acclaim following a robust performance at the global box office.

Hamilton, who served as an executive producer on the project, expressed his profound satisfaction via his Instagram story following the announcement. "This is so incredibly surreal," he posted. "It’s a tremendous honour to see the F1 movie nominated by the Academy, especially alongside such talented artists and storytellers. When we were making this movie we knew we had something special, real and authentic on our hands and it’s amazing to see everyone’s hard work and dedication recognised. Major shout to everyone who worked on this, so so deserved." Hamilton’s involvement transcended a mere celebrity endorsement, extending to guiding the creative team on the intricate nuances of the sport, ensuring a portrayal that resonated with both avid fans and a broader cinematic audience. His deep understanding of Formula 1’s culture, pressures, and exhilaration was instrumental in shaping the film’s authenticity, a quality he frequently emphasized during the production phase. As a driver who has spent over two decades competing at the pinnacle of motorsport, his insights into the physical, mental, and strategic demands of F1 were invaluable in crafting a believable narrative and visual experience. This role marks a significant expansion of Hamilton’s ventures beyond racing, following previous investments in businesses and his vocal advocacy for diversity within motorsport, often leveraging his platform for broader societal impact.

The film, directed by the acclaimed Joseph Kosinski and produced by the veteran Jerry Bruckheimer, arrived with considerable anticipation. Kosinski, known for his masterful work on high-octane films like Top Gun: Maverick, brought a similar commitment to practical effects and immersive cinematography to F1. Bruckheimer, a titan in Hollywood known for producing blockbusters such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Days of Thunder—another iconic racing film—lent his extensive experience in crafting large-scale, audience-pleasing spectacles. Their collaboration, under Hamilton’s watchful eye for motorsport fidelity, aimed to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience of Formula 1. The decision to prioritize practical filming, including embedding the production within actual F1 race weekends during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, was a deliberate strategy to capture the sport’s genuine speed and drama, distinguishing it from projects heavily reliant on green screens and CGI. This commitment to realism is widely believed to have contributed significantly to its critical reception, particularly in categories like Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects, where the seamless integration of real-world footage with dramatic storytelling is paramount. The production design, which involved modifying real F1 cars for filming purposes and utilizing advanced camera technology to capture unprecedented on-track perspectives, pushed the boundaries of cinematic realism for sports films.

Financially, F1 has been a resounding success, having surpassed $630 million at the global box office since its release in June 2025. This robust commercial performance underscores not only the film’s widespread appeal but also the burgeoning global interest in Formula 1 itself, catalyzed in part by documentaries and increased media accessibility. The substantial box office revenue provides a strong foundation for its awards season run, often indicating a film that has resonated broadly with the public. For a sports drama, particularly one delving into the niche world of elite motorsport, this financial achievement places F1 among the most successful entries in the genre, demonstrating its capacity to transcend traditional sports fan demographics and captivate a mainstream audience. The film’s global reach highlights the universal appeal of its themes and the growing international fanbase of Formula 1, which has seen significant growth in key markets like the United States and Asia over the past five years.

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The narrative of F1 centers on Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Oscar-winner Brad Pitt, a semi-retired racing driver who makes an improbable return to the sport with the struggling APXGP team. Hayes races alongside the ambitious rookie Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, under the guidance of his former team-mate Rubén Cervantes, brought to life by Javier Bardem. The central plot revolves around the team’s desperate bid to secure a race win within the final nine races of the season, a high-stakes challenge that forms the emotional core of the film. This storyline, which blends the classic underdog narrative with themes of mentorship, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, offers a compelling backdrop for the intense racing sequences. The fictional APXGP team embodies the struggles faced by real-world F1 outfits operating on smaller budgets, often battling against established giants for crucial points and sponsorship. The dynamic between the seasoned veteran and the hungry rookie is a classic sports narrative trope, here given fresh life by the high-stakes environment of Formula 1.

Beyond its leading trio, the film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that further elevates its dramatic weight. Kerry Condon takes on the role of APXGP’s astute technical director, Kate McKenna, providing an essential perspective on the engineering and strategic complexities of Formula 1, a role often underrepresented in sports dramas. Tobias Menzies portrays Peter Banning, a key member of the APXGP board, adding layers of corporate intrigue and financial pressure to the team’s struggles, mirroring the significant financial backing required to compete in F1. Kim Bodnia completes the core management team as Kaspar Smolinski, the team principal, whose leadership is tested under immense pressure. These characters collectively contribute to a rich tapestry that explores not just the drivers on track, but the vast, intricate ecosystem that underpins an F1 team, from garage mechanics to boardroom strategists.

A defining characteristic of F1‘s production was its unprecedented integration with the real Formula 1 world. Filmed extensively during the 2023 and 2024 F1 seasons, the movie leveraged actual race weekends, capturing the authentic atmosphere, logistical scale, and dynamic environment of Grand Prix events. This innovative approach allowed the filmmakers to insert fictional elements seamlessly into the authentic F1 ecosystem, blurring the lines between cinematic narrative and real-world motorsport. Crucially, numerous actual Formula 1 drivers participated in the film, appearing as themselves, lending an unparalleled layer of realism. Notable figures such as Alex Albon (Williams Racing), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team), Charles Leclerc (Scuderia Ferrari), and Carlos Sainz (Scuderia Ferrari) are featured, providing not just cameos but also contributing to the immersive experience for viewers who are familiar with the sport’s current roster. This level of collaboration with the sport itself set a new benchmark for authenticity in sports filmmaking, requiring extensive coordination with Formula 1 Management (FOM) and the FIA, the sport’s governing body. The filming often took place during pre-race preparations or post-race debriefs, allowing the actors to immerse themselves in the genuine environment.

The four Oscar nominations received by F1 are particularly significant for a sports-centric feature. The Best Picture nomination places it among the year’s most critically acclaimed films, a rare feat for a genre often overlooked in the Academy’s top category. Past sports films that have achieved this recognition, such as Chariots of Fire (which won Best Picture in 1981) or Rocky (1976), often transcend their subject matter to explore universal themes. F1‘s inclusion suggests its narrative depth and technical prowess have resonated with Academy voters beyond its genre confines, positioning it as a serious contender.

The nominations for Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects are especially pertinent to a film focused on the high-speed world of Formula 1. Best Film Editing acknowledges the craft of piecing together the myriad racing sequences, dramatic moments, and character arcs into a cohesive and thrilling narrative. The pacing, tension, and clarity required to convey the speed and complexity of F1 racing are paramount, making this nomination a testament to the editors’ skill in maintaining adrenaline and narrative drive. Best Sound recognizes the intricate sound design necessary to recreate the visceral experience of F1 engines, tire squeals, pit stop cacophony, and crowd roars, all while ensuring dialogue clarity and atmospheric immersion. This category is vital for transporting the audience into the cockpit and onto the track, capturing the raw power and distinctive auditory signature of F1 cars. Finally, Best Visual Effects celebrates the seamless integration of practical and digital elements to achieve breathtaking and realistic racing visuals, without sacrificing the genuine feel of the sport. Given the inherent challenges of filming Formula 1 at speed and recreating the dynamic environment of a race, this nomination highlights the groundbreaking technical achievements in bringing the sport to the big screen with unprecedented fidelity and realism.

The success of F1, both critically and commercially, arrives at a time when Formula 1’s global popularity is experiencing an unprecedented surge. The sport has expanded its reach into new markets, particularly in North America, driven by strategic marketing, engaging digital content, and the success of documentary series like Netflix’s Drive to Survive. F1 the movie capitalizes on and further contributes to this growing fascination, offering a cinematic entry point for new fans while providing an authentic spectacle for seasoned enthusiasts. Its narrative taps into the universal appeal of competition, human drama, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, qualities that resonate far beyond the racetrack, mirroring the aspirational narratives often found in the sport itself.

While the film currently garners awards season attention, discussions regarding a potential sequel are already underway, though no official confirmation has been made. The impressive box office figures and critical acclaim certainly provide a strong impetus for extending the cinematic universe of APXGP, potentially exploring new team dynamics or challenges for Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce. The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, where F1 will contend for its four nominations, is scheduled to air on Sunday, March 15, at 4pm PT on ABC and Hulu. The event will be hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, adding an element of lightheartedness to Hollywood’s most prestigious night.

This awards recognition for F1 not only marks a significant achievement for the filmmakers and cast but also underscores Lewis Hamilton’s expanding influence beyond the racing circuit, solidifying his role as a cultural figure capable of bridging the worlds of elite sport and global entertainment. His vision for a film that truly captured the essence of Formula 1 appears to have been validated by the highest echelons of cinematic art, potentially paving the way for more deeply integrated sports narratives in mainstream cinema.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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