Internet abuzz as Lewis Hamilton says he 'regrets' declining 'Top Gun: Maverick' role for F1 title chase

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: British racing legend Lewis Hamilton has set the Internet abuzz with his recent revelation about turning down a role in the blockbuster film 'Top Gun: Maverick.'

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, the seven-time Formula One World Champion admitted regretting his decision to decline Tom Cruise's offer, which would have placed him alongside the Hollywood icon in the highly anticipated sequel.

Lewis Hamilton was offered a pilot's role in 'Top Gun: Maverick' 

According to Hamilton, his friendship with Cruise began in 2014 when the actor invited the Mercedes driver to the set of his film 'Edge of Tomorrow.' Four years later, Cruise connected Hamilton with 'Top Gun: Maverick' director Joseph Kosinski, who extended an offer for the racing star to portray one of the film's pilots.

"Firstly, I hadn't even had, like, an acting lesson. And I don't want to be the one that lets this movie down. And then secondly, I just really didn't have the time to dedicate to it. I remember having to tell Joe and Tom – and it broke my heart," Hamilton remarked.

The racing champion had to decline the opportunity due to scheduling conflicts with the F1 season, where he was in a fierce championship battle with Sebastian Vettel, as per The Independent.

Little did he know, his decision would haunt him later when 'Top Gun: Maverick' became a global phenomenon, earning nearly $1.5 billion at the box office and being hailed for saving cinema after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"And then I regretted it, naturally, when they show me the movie and it's: 'It could've been me!'" Hamilton lamented, reflecting on the moment he realized the magnitude of his missed opportunity.

Lewis Hamilton's love for entertainment industry remains undiminished

Despite the missed opportunity, Hamilton's love for the entertainment industry remains undiminished.

During the GQ interview, the racing icon revealed his desire to concentrate on movie production after retiring from Formula One. He is currently producing as well as consulting on an untitled F1 movie with Brad Pitt and Damson Idris attached as leads, offering his expertise to ensure authenticity.

"I felt my job really has been to try to call BS. 'This would never happen.' 'This is how it would be.' 'This is how it could happen.' Just giving them advice about what racing is really about and what, as a racing fan, would appeal and what would not," disclosed Hamilton.

Internet abuzz with reactions upon learning about Lewis Hamilton's near-casting in 'Top Gun: Maverick'

News of Hamilton's near-casting in 'Top Gun: Maverick' sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. One X user lamented, "What we could have gotten."

Another marveled at Hamilton's versatility, remarking, "This man really is moving like Zendaya. . a fashion icon, a racing driver, a singer, now ppl found out he was going to be in movies???? talented king."

A third user exclaimed, "I need another Top Gun movie with Lewis in it now."

Echoing the sentiment, another user emphasized, "Ok but we really do need him in some movies soon, that face needs to be on the big screen."

Some fans expressed disappointment over Hamilton's missed opportunity, with one user commenting, "What a shame! I would have actually liked it a bit better if he was in it."

Another user remarked, "Heartbroken over something I didn’t even know was an option."

Lastly, a user praised Hamilton's integrity in declining the role, stating, "Love that he respects the film enough to say no because he hadn't taken any acting lessons yet."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.