As the world gears up for the release of the highly anticipated film "F1," British actor Damson Idris is set to make waves in the motorsport realm alongside Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is slated for release on June 27, 2025, and promises to delve into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing.
Idris stars as Joshua Pearce, a rookie driver who partners with the seasoned veteran Sonny Hayes, played by Pitt. Hayes, a former Formula 1 hotshot, is coaxed out of retirement to mentor Pearce and help save the struggling APXGP team, a fictional racing outfit. This unique narrative explores the intense dynamics between teammates, showcasing how competition can often arise from collaboration.
Filming for "F1" took place over two years during actual Formula 1 race weekends, with the production team given extraordinary access to the tracks and teams. According to Idris, the experience was exhilarating, as they filmed alongside real F1 cars, including those from all ten official teams. "We got to drive on all the racetracks, we got to train on so many of them too. My favourite is Austin, Texas," he said, recalling a particularly memorable moment when he had a spin on the track. "I had the craziest spin of my life there, but it was exhilarating, and as I came out, everyone was like ‘now you're a race car driver.’"
During the production, a fictional 12th team garage was fitted in the paddock, allowing the filmmakers to create a realistic racing environment. The APXGP vehicles used in the film are modified Formula 2 cars designed to mimic the look and feel of Formula 1 machines while being slightly easier to handle. Idris emphasized the theatrical nature of the filming, saying, "It was like theatre… we had these small pockets of time, maybe 10 minutes, that me and Brad could jump in the car and get all our bits on the track."
Idris shared his admiration for Pitt, praising him as an incredible collaborator and leader on set. "Brad is just an amazing character, has such a kind spirit. He taught me about humility no matter how huge you get. And as an artist, he’s one of our finest… he was such a great leader, he made the movie better every step of the way,” Idris recounted during a recent event at the Goodwood Members Meeting, hosted by IWC Schaffhausen, the official watch partner of the fictional APXGP team.
Despite the challenges, including a spin-out incident during filming at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Idris expressed gratitude for the opportunity to immerse himself in the world of F1. "We wrapped in Abu Dhabi in December. This is actually the first time I'm getting back in a race suit. I kind of forgot how to tie my strap up, but it's good. I've got some happy moments in this car, and some dark ones as well," he remarked.
The excitement surrounding the film has been amplified by the release of trailers and behind-the-scenes footage. The first trailer, released by Apple TV+, features the iconic Fleetwood Mac song "The Chain" and highlights the fraught relationship between Hayes and Pearce. As the trailer description notes, "As the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in F1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone."
In addition to Idris and Pitt, the film boasts appearances from a host of real-life Formula One drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Max Verstappen, and many others, adding an authentic touch to the film. The collaboration with actual F1 teams and drivers has created a buzz in the motorsport community, with many eagerly anticipating how the film will portray the high-octane lifestyle of F1 racing.
Idris, a self-proclaimed F1 fan, shared his journey from spectator to participant. "My first F1 race was Budapest 2018, and Lewis [Hamilton] won, and then I just went from race to race after that. I was a huge fan, doing the gridwalks. Everyone turns right, I turn left. I was always interested in the cars at the back too, but I just loved the whole experience of F1," he said. Now, as he steps into the role of a driver, he hopes to continue his connection with the sport beyond the film.
As the release date approaches, the anticipation for "F1" continues to grow, with fans eager to see how Idris and Pitt bring their characters to life on the big screen. With its blend of action, drama, and the glamorous yet intense world of Formula 1, the film is poised to be one of the summer's biggest blockbusters. As Idris confidently stated, "Definitely me, hands down. I'll beat Brad any second. He ain't got nothing on me. He's good on a clutch, though. He's good on a clutch, but apart from that, no. He’s not beating me. I'm flat through Copse [Silverstone chicane]. He can't play with me."
With a compelling storyline, star-studded cast, and the exhilarating backdrop of Formula 1 racing, "F1" is set to captivate audiences and perhaps even inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
