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The wildly popular Netflix documentary “Drive to Survive” appears to be just the beginning of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s career in the entertainment industry.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion is launching a production company called Dawn Apollo Films.
“I’ve always been into movies,” Hamilton told Deadline in an exclusive interview. “I’ve always dreamed of one day doing something in this space. The question was often asked whether I would act.”
“The goal,” he said, “is to make impactful stories and ultimately to inspire people through movies and storytelling. A big part of the new company will be about social impact, community and causes.”
The company is already working on two projects:
- A documentary about Hamilton’s life and career, which is slated to come out at the end of 2023 or in 2024
- A film about F1 featuring the director of “Top Gun: Maverick” and Brad Pitt.
Hamilton’s company is working with Apple TV+ on both, though he noted there’s no exclusive deal with the streamer.
Dawn Apollo Films is just one of Hamilton’s off-track ventures, however. He’s got a minority stake in the Denver Broncos, boasts multiple major endorsement deals, and has amassed significant wealth through real estate.
With the production company, Hamilton is following in other athletes’ footsteps like Peyton Manning, who have had major success so far with this company Omaha Productions. He’s setting himself up for a future after F1 — though he claimed that won’t become a reality anytime soon.
“I’ve spoken to people who have said: ‘Look, when I stopped [racing] it all came crashing down,’” he said. “So, when I do stop racing — which I don’t plan on doing for a while; I still feel I’m in a good place — I want it to be seamless.”
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