To F1 fans, Hollywood star Damson Idris is known as Joshua Pearce, the brave young driver who teams up with Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes in F1 The Movie. But now the actor is officially part of the F1 family, having become a Global Brand Ambassador last month.
The film, which grossed more than $630 million at the box office, was a global success, with much of the filming taking place live on F1 grids. Idris and fellow star Pitt also drove on their own, giving them a great appreciation of what F1 drivers go through both in terms of fitness and on race days themselves.
The British actor was also present at last weekend’s Oscars as F1 The Movie picked up an Academy Award for ‘Best Sound’. But first he sat down for an exclusive Q&A session with F1.com, and revealed which driver he considers a good friend…
How excited are you to become an F1 ambassador and what will your role entail?
Damson Idris: I am very excited to be an ambassador for F1. I will be at the races showing how F1 is not only evolving but also merging perfectly with fashion, culture and lifestyle.
What attracts you most about F1?
DI: The most important thing is that F1 constantly innovates year after year. Things are always fresh and moving in a positive direction.
How much did it mean to become part of the sports world through F1 The Movie increase your interest?
DI: I was always interested in sports. However, the film has taken it to an even higher level.
How has the film contributed to expanding F1’s growing fan base?
DI: It’s the highest-grossing sports movie of all time. I know people who have seen it 19 times. Young kids of all backgrounds are not only becoming fans, but they are also thinking about ways to get into the sport as drivers or team members. Have F1 thank you for that.
You had close access to the F1 paddock during filming. Was there anything that surprised you or really caught your attention?
DI: The most important thing was that the drivers directly influence the creation of rules and regulations to make the sport not only safe but also more fun.
What was the highlight during the filming of the film?
DI: The highlight of the shoot was singing the national anthem at Silverstone with all the drivers and then walking around the grid.
You received extensive training for the racing scenes. How much more respect did that give you for the drivers?
DI: I always respected them, but now I fear them. The speeds they achieve under such circumstances week after week are out of this world.
You worked closely with a number of people in F1 while making the film, including Lewis Hamilton. How has that helped your understanding of the sport and how excited are you to see them again as part of your ambassador role?
DI: I was able to be a sponge by being around the drivers. They made it much more authentic. I am very excited to be up close through this embassy.
How exciting was it to see the film receive four Oscar nominations?
DI: I think it’s a testament to the hard work and time we put into creating the film. We put a lot of love into this. So the nominations were definitely a plus.
Beyond the movie, 2025 also offered an entertaining season – what did you think about it?
DI: The 2025 season with all its entertainment and drama made me wait even more for the next season. That’s the beauty of F1. The ups and downs of each team keep it exciting.
Do you have any particular F1 heroes from the past or present?
DI: Like Joshua Pearce, Lewis [Hamilton] He is definitely my F1 hero and my dear friend.
How excited are you looking forward to the 2026 season and the new regulations?
DI: I’m excited to see how everyone adapts to the new rules. Like the weather, these changes keep racing exciting.
