Lewis Hamilton and Apple's Collaboration on F1 Racing Movie Brings Authenticity to the Big Screen

Lewis Hamilton, a producer on Apple's upcoming movie "F1 The Movie," ensured authenticity by providing input on racing details, such as braking and shifting gears. The film, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, will be released by Warner Bros. on June 27. Apple developed camera technology used in the film to capture the reality of high-speed racing.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) has doubled down on its entertainment ambitions with the upcoming release of "F1 The Movie." The film, which stars Brad Pitt as a fictional Formula 1 driver, is set to be released by Warner Bros. on June 27. The movie is a joint venture between Apple Original Films, Pitt's Plan B, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and Hamilton's Dawn Apollo banner, with Warner Bros. handling worldwide theatrical distribution.

The film's authenticity was ensured by Lewis Hamilton, who served as a producer and provided input on racing details such as braking and shifting gears [2]. Apple developed advanced camera technology for the film, which was adapted from the technology used in real F1 cars during TV broadcasts. This technology was also incorporated into the latest iPhone model, showcasing Apple's technological prowess [1].

Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the company's content efforts, including its involvement in Formula 1 and camera technology, are not aimed at boosting iPhone sales directly. Instead, he views Apple TV+ as a standalone business that benefits from the company's broader strengths, much like its other products and services [1]. This strategic move aligns with Apple's broader strategy to expand its user base and bolster its ecosystem.

The film's release coincides with Apple's ongoing investment in its streaming service, Apple TV+. Despite reported losses exceeding $1 billion annually, Apple has continued to invest heavily in content. The company has also been seeking to expand its user base, with a recent move to make the Apple TV+ app available on Android devices [1].

The advanced camera technology used in the film could serve to showcase Apple's tech capabilities. This comes amid criticism of the company's recent iOS 26 design, dubbed "Liquid Glass" [1]. Apple's foray into film production comes as the company has been making significant strides in expanding its streaming service, Apple TV+. Despite reported losses exceeding $1 billion annually, Apple has continued to invest heavily in content [1].

Apple is also teaming up with Lewis Hamilton on a documentary about his life and may also bid for U.S. Formula 1 TV rights starting in 2026. This move aligns with Apple's strategy to expand its user base and bolster its ecosystem [1].

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45898644/tim-cook-explains-why-apples-f1-movie-bet-with-lewis-hamilton-serve-more-than-just-iphone-sales
[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/how-lewis-hamilton-apple-brought-f1-racing-movie-screen-2025-06-16/
[3] https://autogear.pt/en/ferrari-lewis-hamilton-f1-2026-shift/
[4] https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1321506-lewis-hamilton-shares-his-experience-as-a-producer-on-f1-movie