Lewis Hamilton regrets turning down offer for role in 'Top Gun: Maverick'

Racing superstar Lewis Hamilton has revealed a missed opportunity that still stings – the chance to work alongside Tom Cruise in a major blockbuster.

Hamilton shared his story with GQ magazine, recalling his friendship with Cruise that began on the set of "Edge of Tomorrow". Their bond grew, and the racer even jokingly asked Cruise for a part in a potential "Top Gun" sequel: "Dude, if you ever do Top Gun 2, I will even be a janitor. Just let me be in it.'"

Years later, when "Top Gun:Maverick" entered pre-production, Cruise remembered Hamilton's request and connected him with director Joseph Kosinski. Hamilton was offered a role as a pilot!

Sadly, his demanding racing schedule and lack of acting experience led Hamilton to decline. But seeing the film's success made him regret the decision: "Firstly, I hadn’t even had, like, an acting lesson. And I don’t want to be the one that lets this movie down. And then secondly, I just really didn’t have the time to dedicate to it.... It could’ve been me! Oh, God, I’m still….”

While "Top Gun" didn't become his Hollywood debut, Hamilton did partner with Kosinski on an upcoming Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt. He's committed to authenticity: “My point was: Guys, this movie needs to be so authentic... I felt my job really has been to try to call BS. ‘This would never happen. This is how it would be. This is how it could happen.’"