Lewis Hamilton is redefining what it means to be a modern multihyphenate, showcasing a diverse range of talents and interests that extend far beyond the race track.

Hamilton is not just a celebrated Formula 1 driver for Ferrari; he is also a successful entrepreneur, fashion designer, investor, film and television producer through his Daybreak Apollo Movies production company, and a passionate advocate for social issues that matter deeply to him.

As the Formula 1 season progresses and with the upcoming premiere of his first film as a producer, Apple Original Movies’ “F1 the Film,” on June 5, Hamilton engaged in a significant meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This meeting led to a commitment from Starmer to support Hamilton’s vision for addressing racism and bias in the government’s handling of student expulsions from state schools. This initiative was catalyzed by research conducted by Hamilton’s Mission 44 nonprofit organization, which aims to enhance access to STEM education for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Hamilton’s own experience with expulsion during his youth, which was later overturned, fuels his passion for this cause.

“What resonates with him on a personal level is ensuring that young people feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection, and are empowered to truly thrive in school, especially if they come from historically underserved communities—whether due to low-income backgrounds or the experience of discrimination in various forms,” explains Jason Arthur, a former teacher and current CEO of Mission 44. “Hamilton’s personal journey plays a pivotal role in this work.”

Hamilton made a substantial impact in the world of Formula 1 in 2020 when he released the Hamilton Commission research report, which he financed to highlight the alarming lack of Black representation in UK motorsports. This report was instrumental in the inception of Mission 44. Given the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic during the organization’s establishment, addressing systemic issues in education became a central focus of their mission.

“In England, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of young people who have faced suspensions and permanent exclusions from schools since COVID,” Arthur notes. “This includes challenges related to mental health and the struggles teachers face under the pressure of supporting students who have diverse needs. There’s also the alarming trend of students simply not attending school.”

Hamilton has successfully leveraged his celebrity status and his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to reach the pinnacle of a sport that has traditionally been dominated by white males. A grant from the broadcaster Sky aided in funding Mission 44’s research on the expulsion issue. During his meeting with Starmer, Hamilton ensured he left 10 Downing Street with firm commitments for actionable steps, rather than just a photo opportunity.

“This wasn’t merely about generating good PR,” Arthur emphasizes. “It was crucial that the government made binding commitments aligned with policy recommendations.”

Hamilton has ambitious plans to expand his influence in the Hollywood landscape as a content producer. True to his racing background, he has accelerated into this new venture, diving headfirst into a major action film that is poised to become a summer blockbuster.

“That’s incredible for me, considering that my first project is so large,” Hamilton expressed in an interview from late April. “Typically, you want to start small and gradually work your way up to something of this magnitude. But what an exhilarating place to begin.”

Hamilton possesses all the innate qualities necessary to excel as a producer, including tenacity and undeniable drive, as noted by “F1” producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

“He has the most incredible hand-eye coordination I’ve ever witnessed,” Bruckheimer remarks. “Everything he undertakes must achieve split-second precision.”

Hamilton’s commitment to capturing the intensity of racing, the intricate behind-the-scenes drama, the rivalries among drivers, and the visceral sensation of what it is like to pilot a Formula 1 car is something only he could bring to the production, according to Zack Van Amburg, chief of Apple TV+.

“He instilled in us all the confidence in the world for creating this film,” Van Amburg stated. “Without Lewis, we wouldn’t have achieved the results we did. I don’t believe Formula 1 would have opened its racetracks in the same way to the film and the actors who were right there on the grid with real race cars.”

As “F1” gears up for its June 27 release, Hamilton shared insights with Variety about his aspirations to become a significant player in the content arena with Daybreak Apollo and all the valuable lessons he absorbed from Bruckheimer and “F1” writer-director Joseph Kosinski during the three-year journey of making the film.

Racing has been at the core of your life for so long. What insights have you gained about the sport while creating “F1”?

I have loved this sport since I was about four or five years old. It has been my life and my passion for an extended period. When you turn on the television to watch a race, you obviously see the racing and perhaps the pit stops, but there is so much more happening in the background. I appreciate the storytelling aspect of it; there’s drama, and numerous characters that fans have come to know over the years of Formula 1. In this film, you truly get to experience that drama. There’s a wealth of emotion involved, and an enormous amount at stake, alongside the classic underdog narrative.

People are buzzing about the camera technology developed for “F1” and how the racing sequences are unlike anything we’ve witnessed in film before.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, they filmed with enormous cameras, and drivers had these massive cameras attached to their helmets. Now, we’ve pushed technology to new heights, utilizing the incredible team at Apple to create innovative cameras that make viewers feel as though they are part of the experience. With only 20 of us competing in Formula 1, which is quite astonishing given the billions of people on the planet, we want more people to experience what it feels like to be in the race car. It’s akin to piloting a fighter jet on wheels—the cars truly test your limits.

As Formula 1 fans know, 2025 is a pivotal year for you in racing with your transition to the Ferrari team after years with Mercedes. What has this experience been like for you, especially while you’re also on the global stage with “F1”?

Transitioning to a new team marks a fresh start for me this year. It has been an immense learning opportunity to collaborate with Joe and Jerry. Jerry is a true legend; he has produced so many incredible films, while Joe is a master of perfection. Observing the extensive work that goes into film production has been eye-opening for me, as I have always had a passion for movies. I love watching series and films, and I’m looking for action-packed narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

How do you manage to juggle everything you have going on in your professional life?

One crucial lesson I have learned over time is the importance of maintaining focus. When you attend a Grand Prix, there’s a whirlwind of activity around you, pulling your attention in multiple directions. Yet, you still have to concentrate on your primary role. Often, I would come to L.A. and find myself in Jerry’s office, which was quite surreal, or Joe’s studio as we meticulously reviewed the script, dialogue, and terminology authentic to racing drivers, including the sounds of gear shifts and other intricate details. I’ve been involved in every aspect of this process, and even collaborated with Hans Zimmer in his studio to witness the music creation process. It has truly been an emotional roller coaster.

Your work with Mission 44 and other initiatives has significantly influenced the cultural conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the UK. What motivates you to invest so much time and energy into these issues?

I grew up during a time when people often tried to box you into a single identity, limiting you to one pursuit. While I was in school, I was very creative, but once I entered the world of racing, I had to suppress many of those talents. As I matured, I recognized the need to create space for myself to explore different creative outlets, which I have found to be both inspiring and confidence-boosting.

Fashion, for instance, has transformed everything for me. Being able to express myself through clothing and feeling confident in what I wear has been crucial. Collaborating with others has also revealed talents I didn’t even know I possessed, whether designing a clothing collection or working on film projects.

In the earlier stages of my career, it was solely about racing—racing—and nothing else. I wasn’t fulfilled; I had just reached Formula 1, which had been my lifelong dream, but something felt incomplete. I realized I needed to find a balance that wouldn’t distract me from my primary goal, which is to win. It’s been rewarding to see that balance come to fruition.

As I understand, you played a significant role in shaping key characters for “F1” to reflect a specific vision for the future.

I conveyed to Jerry and Joe that when we create this film, we want to ensure that viewers see what we envision for the future: a diverse and inclusive narrative. You have an incredible woman who is the first engineer in the pit stop, breaking new ground as we’ve never seen a woman in that role before. This representation is vital because young people will be able to see that it doesn’t matter what your gender or faith is—there is a place for everyone in this industry. That was a critical aspect I wanted to contribute to the film’s portrayal.