Hamilton pays tribute to Ferrari in a short film inspired by a 1980s movie

Lewis Hamilton co-founded Dawn Apollo Films, a company focused on film and audiovisual production. This project aligns with his desire to explore the world of entertainment beyond Formula 1, while highlighting inspiring stories.

One of the major projects of this company is the F1 film produced by Apple Studios, in which Brad Pitt plays the role of a former driver returning to competition. Hamilton is directly involved in the production of this film as a consultant and executive producer, to ensure maximum realism in the portrayal of Formula 1. He notably helped integrate real F1 teams into the filming and refine technical aspects to ensure the film is true to the sport. He made it possible to shoot in 2024 under real conditions with an 11th fictional team named “APX.”

In tribute to Scuderia Ferrari, which became his new Formula 1 team this winter, Lewis Hamilton shot a short film behind the wheel of a 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder. The script is centered around a 1980s movie in which this car appeared, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

« No better way to start the season than to make another dream come true » commented Lewis Hamilton on the subject. « Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child. This is a tribute to that iconic film and a way to celebrate my first season with Ferrari. It took cutting-edge technology, careful production, and meticulous planning to pull it all off. I also needed the exact car… It’s been a dream car since I saw the movie. A big thank you to the legend Edward Norton for being part of the adventure. It is with this energy and enthusiasm that I approach the track this year. ANDIAMO!! »

« A huge thank you to Paramount Pictures and everyone who contributed to the realization of this project.

The short film by Lewis Hamilton

A film from the 80s

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a cult 1980s film directed by John Hughes, released in 1986. It features a charismatic high school student, Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, who decides to skip school to spend an unforgettable day in Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and his best friend Cameron. The film is a true ode to youth, carefreeness, and the art of enjoying life, with an innovative staging where Ferris often breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience.

One of the most iconic elements of the film is the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder belonging to Cameron’s father. This bright red car symbolizes luxury, dreams, and the fear of risk, as Cameron is terrified at the thought of his father discovering that they borrowed it. In a memorable scene, the car is accidentally sent through a glass window and ends up destroyed, crashing into a ravine—a significant moment that serves as an emotional trigger for Cameron.

This Ferrari is a key element of the film and left a lasting impression, to the point that many car enthusiasts immediately associate it with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In reality, for the filming, the producers used several replicas rather than risking a real 250 GT California, an extremely rare and valuable model today. The image of this Ferrari contributed to its myth, and it remains one of the most iconic cars in cinema.