To F1 fans, Hollywood star Damson Idris is Joshua Pearce, the plucky young driver who teams up with Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes in F1 The Movie. Now Idris is officially part of the F1 family after being named a Global Brand Ambassador last month.
The movie grossed more than $630 million and was filmed largely on F1 grids. Idris and Pitt did much of their own driving, which gave them a strong appreciation for what F1 drivers endure in terms of fitness and race-day intensity. Idris also attended the Oscars, where F1 The Movie won an Academy Award for Best Sound. Ahead of that, he sat down for an exclusive Q&A and revealed which driver he regards as a good friend.
How excited are you to become an F1 ambassador, and what will your role involve?
Damson Idris: I’m very excited. I will be at races showing how F1 is evolving and how it merges with fashion, culture and lifestyle.
What is it about F1 that most appeals to you?
DI: F1’s constant innovation. Things are always fresh and moving in a positive direction.
How much did making F1 The Movie increase your interest in the sport?
DI: I was already interested, but the movie took it to a greater level.
How has the movie helped expand F1’s fanbase?
DI: It’s the highest-grossing sports movie ever. I know people who’ve seen it 19 times. Young people from diverse backgrounds are becoming fans and thinking about careers in the sport as drivers or crew.
You had up-close access to the paddock during filming—what surprised you?
DI: That drivers are directly influential in creating rules and regulations to make the sport safer and more enjoyable.
What was your highlight while shooting the movie?
DI: Singing the national anthem at Silverstone with all the drivers and walking the grid.
You underwent extensive training for the racing scenes—how did that change your respect for drivers?
DI: I always respected them, but now I fear them. The speeds they hit week after week are out of this world.
You worked closely with people in F1, including Lewis Hamilton. How did that help your understanding, and are you excited to see them again in your ambassador role?
DI: Being around the drivers let me be a sponge. They made everything more authentic. I’m super excited to be up close through this ambassadorship.
How exciting was it to see the movie receive four Oscar nominations?
DI: It’s testament to the hard work we put into the film. We poured a lot of love into it, so the nominations were a great bonus.
What did you make of the 2025 season?
DI: The entertainment and drama of 2025 made me look forward to the next season even more. The highs and lows keep it exciting.
Do you have an F1 hero past or present?
DI: Like Joshua Pearce, Lewis [Hamilton] is definitely my F1 hero and a dear friend.
How are you looking forward to the 2026 season and the new regulations?
DI: I’m excited to see how everyone adapts. Like the weather, changes keep the races interesting.