Lewis Hamilton Turned Down 'Top Gun: Maverick' In 'Most Upsetting Call' Of His Life

Lewis Hamilton, right, reluctantly turned down the role of a fighter pilot in "Top Gun: Maverick." NurPhoto via Getty Images Lewis Hamilton says his need for speed nearly landed him a role in “Top Gun: Maverick.” The Formula One champion told Vanity Fair in an interview published Monday that his friend Tom Cruise agreed to cast him in the sequel to 1986’s “Top Gun” ― but that he reluctantly had to turn down the opportunity. “When I heard the second one was coming out, I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’ I have to ask’” Cruise to be cast in the film, Hamilton said. I’ll even sweep something, be a cleaner in the back.” The racing champ said he and Cruise “built a friendship over time” after the movie star invited him to the set of “Edge of Tomorrow.” So when Hamilton asked, Cruise agreed to cast him as a fighter pilot in the summer blockbuster. Hamilton remembers that conversation as “the most upsetting call that I think I’ve ever had.” The seven-time world champion is nonetheless broadening his horizons, however, and told Vanity Fair he’s working with “planet-friendly startups.” Hamilton is also a new Hollywood player and producing “Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski’s new film, “Formula One.” The 37-year-old is also vetting that script as a consultant “because the Americans that are writing it are just getting newly accustomed to Formula 1.” He’s already met with Brad Pitt, who stars as an aging driver who abandons retirement to challenge rookie racers.