Lewis Hamilton will miss the Oscars despite his involvement in the nominated film *F1*, as his Chinese Grand Prix race obligations take precedence. The Scuderia Ferrari driver revealed Thursday he explored every option to attend the ceremony but concluded the 12.5-hour flight from Shanghai to Los Angeles—combined with a 15-hour time zone gap—would leave him arriving 30 minutes late even with a last-minute race delay.

Hamilton, who co-produced and starred in *F1*, emphasized his commitment to the sport’s evolving regulations and global expansion. He praised the film’s four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Visual Effects, and its recent BAFTA win for Best Sound. Collaborating with director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Hamilton advised on script details and attended a driving session with star Brad Pitt.

Though unable to attend the Oscars in person, Hamilton plans to FaceTime the event’s hosts. He expressed pride in F1’s rising prominence, noting the film’s role in attracting new fans: "It’s amazing to see how much promotion there is around the world." The driver also highlighted his ongoing partnership with Ferrari ahead of the 2026 season’s regulatory changes.

Hamilton’s absence underscores the logistical challenges of balancing high-profile entertainment commitments with motorsport duties. With the Chinese GP kicking off Saturday, his focus shifts to maintaining form as teams prepare for next season’s technical overhaul.