The highly anticipated Formula One movie starring Brad Pitt owes its existence to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, according to director Joseph Kosinski. The Apple Original film, simply titled F1, promises to deliver unprecedented authenticity when it hits theaters globally on June 25 and in North America two days later.

Speaking after an exclusive preview screening at the Canadian Grand Prix, Kosinski revealed how Hamilton became the project's secret weapon. The British racing legend, who recently made headlines with his move from Mercedes to Ferrari this season, served as both co-producer through his Dawn Apollo production company and the film's technical conscience.

"This movie simply wouldn't exist without Lewis," Kosinski confessed. The director of box office smash Top Gun: Maverick shared how their professional relationship began when Hamilton nearly appeared in that Tom Cruise vehicle before scheduling conflicts intervened.

The collaboration started with a simple email from Kosinski: "I want to tell the story in your world. I want to make it as authentic as possible. Will you help me?" That yes from Hamilton opened doors throughout Formula One while ensuring every racing sequence met championship-level scrutiny.

Hamilton didn't just open doors - he became Pitt's personal driving coach and a walking encyclopedia of racing details. "At Hungary," Kosinski recalled, "Lewis specified exactly which turn would work for a particular blue flag maneuver we wanted to film." Such granular insights came directly from someone who has spent nearly two decades at motorsport's pinnacle.

The Mercedes-turned-Ferrari driver even influenced the screenplay itself, contributing spiritual elements about why racers compete that mirror his own philosophical approach to the sport. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer marveled at Hamilton's obsession with perfection - like catching an audio discrepancy where engine sounds didn't match gear selection during Silverstone scenes.

"Brad isn't acting when you see him handling those cars," Bruckheimer noted about Pitt's performance behind the wheel. Early reports suggest audiences will experience Formula One with unprecedented realism thanks largely to Hamilton's involvement. >

The film arrives as Formula One seeks its next cultural breakthrough following Netflix' game-changing docuseries Drive To Survive . While that show revolutionized F1 's American popularity ,Kosinski believes there remains vast untapped potential . >

"So many people still don 't know anything about this sport , "the director observed . With Hollywood star power ,racing authenticity courtesy of one of history 's greatest drivers,and cutting edge cinematography,the F1film appears positionedto introduce grand prix racingto entirely new audiences worldwide . >