Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lewis Hamilton will not attend the 98th Academy Awards despite the Formula 1 film he produced receiving four Oscar nominations, as the ceremony clashes directly with the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The race in Shanghai is scheduled to start at 15:00 local time on Sunday, while the Oscars ceremony begins at 19:00 Eastern Time in Los Angeles. The timing conflict makes it impossible for Hamilton to travel to the United States following his race commitments in China.
“I’ve looked at every way to get there in time, but unfortunately I can’t,” Hamilton told select media including RacingNews365.
“But I’ll FaceTime with Joe and Jerry when they’re there, which is cool, and I’m incredibly proud.”
The film was directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer alongside Hamilton. It has been nominated in four categories at the Academy Awards: Best Picture, Visual Effects, Sound, and Film Editing, after generating more than $630 million worldwide following its release in summer 2025.
Hamilton’s involvement in the project extended beyond a traditional producer role. The seven-time world champion also served as a technical consultant, helping ensure the film’s authenticity, with several scenes filmed during real Formula 1 grand prix weekends.
The British driver also reflected on the wider impact the project has had on the global popularity of Formula 1, particularly in attracting new audiences to the sport.
“I never thought in a million years that would be the outcome of the work we’ve been doing over the past years. It’s amazing to see.”
“I obviously don’t own the sport, but to see how much promotion there is around the world, to see the buzz, and to see new people getting excited about the sport the way many of us did growing up is really great.”
“And on top of that, I’m still here, still able to be a part of it and witness it.”
Although he will not be present in Los Angeles, Hamilton will be competing in the second round of the 2026 Formula 1 season in China while closely following the outcome of the awards ceremony from Shanghai.
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