The REAL Reason Lewis Hamilton Turned Down A Role In 'Top Gun: Maverick'

Multiple award-winning British racing driver Lewis Hamilton has impressed fans with his racing skills on the track severally. While they also expected to see an on-screen version of him, it didn't happen anymore.

Hamilton recently revealed that he turned down an offer from the "Top Gun: Maverick" team to play a role in the film. With the assistance of his friend and renowned actor Tom Cruise, he was offered a chance to drive a vehicle in the blockbuster film. However, he declined. 

Keep reading to find out why and how he felt about it.

In an interview this Monday, he spoke to Vanity Fair about the whole experience and how it made him feel. The star recalled asking the "Mission Impossible" actor to find him a role in the film since he would also star in it.

This request was after he heard that the film was in production and recalled how much he loved the first movie, "Top Gun," which was released in 1986. This move surprised many fans who were used to seeing him on the track, as they didn't know he had an interest in acting.

He said, "When I heard the second one was coming out, I was like, 'Oh, my God, I have to ask Cruise about being cast in the movie." It didn't even matter what role he was offered; he just wanted to be a part of a movie he loved. "I don't care what the role is. I'll even sweep something, be a cleaner in the back," he joked.

He also revealed how easy it was to talk to Cruise about his dream since they had "built a friendship over time." He also recalled that their friendship took off after the "Top Gun" star invited him to the "Edge Of Tomorrow" set.

When he asked about having a role in the film, Cruise agreed to find him one. He was then offered the role of a fighter pilot, which he ultimately had to decline. When asked why, he explained that the movie production period clashed with his racing season at the time, and he had no choice but to turn down the role.

He also remembered declining over the phone, saying it was "the most upsetting call I think I've ever had." While he was upset about having to turn down the role, he didn't just give up on his other dreams. The seven-time world winner is ready to broaden his horizons by working on "planet-friendly startups," per his statement to Vanity Fair.

Hamilton revealed to fans that he is very interested in the acting scene. He will be producing "Formula One," the upcoming film which stars "Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood" actor Brad Pitt and is directed by "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski.

While there is very little info on the film, the storyline will reportedly follow a renowned racing driver (played by Pitt) who comes out of retirement for one last shot at glory by mentoring a new F1 racer.

The 37-year-old would also serve as a consultant for the film "because the Americans that are writing it are just getting newly accustomed to Formula 1." Per Deadline, he already spoke to Pitt about the movie. They both agreed to tour some Mercedes-Benz factories in Britain where they plan to build the cars for the film.

While he turned down the role that he begged Cruise for, there are no hard feelings between the friends. The star spent his 60th birthday showing up for Hamilton at the Grand Prix in Britain.

Per Deadline, he also gave him a shout-out and said, "He's a great friend of mine." He also wished him a good game, "I hope he has a great day." At the end of the day, Hamilton came in third place after Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz Jr.

"Top Gun: Maverick" premiered this year in May and saw Cruise earn his first $100 million box office launch. The film has since grossed over $1.35 billion globally and has received tons of positive reviews from the audience and critics.