Lewis Hamilton can celebrate a flawless weekend: from the track to the Oscars, it has been all awards for him.
Following his success on track at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Hamilton secured third place to earn a podium with Ferrari, the British driver continues the celebrations: F1 The Movie has won a 2026 Oscar.
During the 98th edition of the Academy Awards, Formula 1 marked a significant milestone as F1 The Movie took home the Oscar for Best Sound. The project, inspired by the world of F1, had been nominated in four categories and achieved a victory on Hollywood’s biggest night.
The film was directed by Joseph Kosinski and stars Brad Pitt. The award went to the audio team, including Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary Rizzo, and Juan Peralta, recognized for their work in recreating the intensity and atmosphere of F1 races. The sound design was particularly praised for conveying the speed and tension of modern F1 cars, combining real on-track recordings with meticulous post-production work.
F1 The Movie honored
Released in 2025, the film quickly became one of the most ambitious motorsport projects ever made. The production benefited from strong involvement from the F1 paddock, including contributions from Lewis Hamilton, who participated as a producer and consultant to ensure maximum realism in the racing scenes.
The plot follows veteran driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, who returns to F1 many years after an early end to his career. Hayes joins the fictional APXGP team alongside young rookie Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. Together, they strive to bring the team back to success while facing the challenges of the championship.
One of the film’s most innovative elements was its filming method: several sequences were shot during actual F1 race weekends, using specialized cameras mounted on the cars to give audiences an immersive in-cockpit experience.
The movie also achieved massive commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. In a short time, it became the highest-grossing motorsport film ever. In addition to winning Best Sound, it had also been nominated for Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song with “Drive” by Ed Sheeran.
Overall, this Oscar win solidifies the crossover appeal of Formula 1 in the United States, capping off a historic period for Lewis Hamilton. Between his resurgence on the track with the Scuderia and his success as a Hollywood producer, the seven-time champion continues to redefine what is possible for a modern athlete.
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