Mercedes F1 driver and seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton says that he would like to work with Will Smith despite the Hollywood actor and producer causing controversy at this year’s Academy Awards.
Specifically, Smith has received backlash after he slapped American comedian Chris Rock shortly prior to receiving the best actor Academy Award for King Richard.
The film is a biopic sports drama in which Smith plays Richard Williams, the father of female tennis players Venus and Serena Williams.
Smith was also a producer of the film, and Hamilton has described himself as being “very inspired” by the work the 53-year-old has done in the movie.
“I’m very inspired by what Will has done with his team,” Hamilton said.
“Stories are there to be told. There’s a lot to learn from them.”
Continuing, the Briton said he can imagine working with Smith and creating something similar to that of King Richard.
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“I started out living on the couch in my father’s apartment.
“Behind every successful person is someone else. I understand that very well because I have a really great family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Hamilton said King Richard is inspirational for families, explaining, “I’m sure all parts want the best for their children, offering them the best opportunities, putting them on the right path.
“King Richard represents that very well in my opinion,” he concluded.
Hamilton is very familiar with the Hollywood industry, as he has acted and worked in multiple movies, including Cars 2, Cars 3, and Zoolander 2.
Furthermore, a popular sports documentary that the Brit has worked in is The Game Changers, where he was an executive producer.
The Game Changers is about a UFC fighter’s world turning upside down when he discovers an elite group of world-renowned athletes and scientists who prove that everything he had been taught about protein was a lie.
Hamilton will also be producing a documentary about his career in Formula 1 as Apple has recently announced that it had secured the rights to a feature documentary about the Briton for Apple TV+.