Damson Idris, who stars in the upcoming Formula 1 film, has described it as “unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.”Damson Idris, who stars in the upcoming Formula 1 film, has described it as “unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.” The film, titled F1, follows a young aspiring driver named Joshua Pierce (played by Idris) who is mentored by a retired racing driver (Brad Pitt). Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon also star, and the film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously helmed Top Gun: Maverick. Idris says that the film “really captures the speed and excitement of Formula 1 racing” and that they worked closely with Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a producer on the film, to ensure the driving scenes were as realistic as possible. “It’s been an amazing experience,” Idris says. “I’ve learned a lot about Formula 1 and about racing. I can’t wait for people to see the movie.” F1 is scheduled to be released in 2024.
Damson Idris has said the upcoming Formula 1 film he stars in will be “unlike anything anyone has ever seen before”.
The film, titled F1, was shot at Silverstone and also stars Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem. It is directed by Joseph Kosinski, filmmaker of Top Gun: Maverick.
Pitt plays a retired racing driver who is brought out of retirement to mentor a young driver, played by Idris.
Idris said: “It’s unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.
“It’s a whirlwind, we’re really driving cars.
“I play a character named Joshua Pierce, a young, aspiring driver in a fictional team called Apex.”
In addition to his role in the film, the 32-year-old said Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a producer, also advises actors on realistic driving.
Idris added: “There is no better person to teach you about Formula 1 than Lewis Hamilton.
“So Lewis comes in and he basically calls BS. He lets us know that, ‘Hey, that wouldn’t happen,’ which is a rarity in this art form.
“So to have someone who lives, breathes and sleeps Formula 1, and I know that he or she has worked on this film, is unlike anything I’ve done before.
“They put me behind the wheel and I had some driving experience – I’ve driven fast cars before – but it’s different to anything we do now.”
Brad Pitt at Silverstone with his partner Ines De Ramon ahead of the British Grand Prix on Sunday (David Davies/PA)
Idris said Hamilton is an “inspirational” figure for him, adding that he believes everyone can “take a bit of Lewis’ fight into their lives”.
The actor said: “Lewis the beautiful Hamilton, who we all admire, who we are all inspired by, just gave a wonderful reading downstairs, which for me was incredibly moving.
“I’ll always be there for him, he doesn’t get enough praise I think.
“Besides being a fantastic sportsman, he has pushed the sport in such a positive direction, he is innovative.”
The actor, who was born in Peckham, south-east London, said filming on the grid at Silverstone and during the race was “amazing”.
He was joined at Sunday’s British Grand Prix, which Hamilton won, by Pitt, who made a rare appearance with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon.
