Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Will Smith's movie about Serena and Venus Williams has inspired him to think about a biopic charting his own rise to success. Released theatrically last November, King Richard tells the story of how the Williams sisters' father, Richard, managed their rise to tennis stardom, with Smith both producing the film and earning an Oscar for his performance in the title role. Hamilton is friends with both Smith - who was a high-profile guest of Mercedes at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - and the Williams sisters, and said the story of the latter's ascent to success struck a chord with his own background. "I was really fortunate to be speaking to Serena and Venus about the whole process and how excited they were," Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.com , speaking ahead of the Oscars ceremony. "I know Will, so [I'm] really proud of what he was able to project with this film. "I know he's had awards, but I was really moved by the story, because I think all of us have watched [the Williams sisters'] rise and seen their success and trials and tribulations. "But like all of us, [we] very much don't always understand what it's taken to get there. "People that tune in probably just think that they're just the best, not understanding the commitment and the time and sacrifice that they have to put in, so it's amazing that Will was able to highlight that. "Behind everyone that's successful, there is always somebody, and I can relate to it because I have a very amazing family who, without them, I would not be here today. "And I hope at some stage, I'll be able to do something similar."
Hamilton's documentary takes priority
A man with many pursuits outside the F1 cockpit, Hamilton has notably sought to diversify his investment portfolio in recent months, and was on Thursday linked, along with Serena Williams, with a consortium looking to purchase Chelsea Football Club. Hamilton stressed, however, that a documentary he is currently making for Apple TV+ is his current theatrical priority. "We have this documentary that we're working on and I think you have to just do everything at the right time," said Hamilton. "The documentary is the current focus. I think stories are there to be told. I think it's important. I think there's lots that can be learned. "And if your story can have one positive impact, even on one person or one family, that could be amazing. "So, I think, one day, I perhaps will try to do the same, maybe. [I'm] very inspired by how Will did it with his team. And with those two icons, [I'm] very proud of them."
"I have no idea who I'd get to play me!"
Referencing another project he is said to be involved in, along with actor Brad Pitt and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Hamilton admitted he was at a loss as to who might portray him on screen. "I have no idea who I'd get to play me!" the Mercedes driver commented. "I don't know who's out there that I would use at the moment. I'd have to do some research. "But I'm actually going through a process right now of castings for another project that I have, and that's quite an interesting process to go through. "It's quite exciting, reading up on all these different characters, people that could fit a role. "When the script's written, and they're writing that character, finding someone that matches that and represents that character is quite an interesting process."
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