‘Lewis is my hero’ – An exclusive Q&A with 'F1 The Movie' star Damson Idris

To F1 fans Hollywood star Damson Idris is known as Joshua Pearce, the plucky 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 movie, which grossed more that $630 million at the box office, was a global hit, with much of the filming done live on F1 grids. Idris and fellow star Pitt did plenty of their own driving too, which gave them a huge appreciation of what F1 drivers go through both in terms of fitness, and on the race days themselves.

The British actor was also in attendance at last weekend's Oscars as F1 The Movie collected an Academy Award for ‘Best Sound’. But beforehand he sat down for an exclusive Q&A with F1.com, and revealed just 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 to be an F1 ambassador. I will be at the races showing how F1 is not only evolving but is also seamlessly merging with fashion, culture and lifestyle.

What is it about F1 that most appeals to you?

DI: The biggest is that F1 is constantly being innovative year after year. Things are always fresh and moving in a positive direction.

How much did becoming a part of the sport’s world through F1 The Movie increase your interest?

DI: I was always interested in the sport. The movie however has taken it to an even greater level.

How has the movie contributed to expanding F1’s ever-growing fanbase?

DI: It is the highest grossing sports movie of all time. I know people who have seen it 19 times. Young kids from all backgrounds are not only becoming fans but thinking of ways to get into the sport as drivers or crew. We have F1 to thank for that.

You had up close access to the F1 paddock during filming – was there anything that surprised or really stood out to you?

DI: The biggest thing was that the drivers are directly influential in creating the rules and regulations to make the sport not only safe but more enjoyable.

What was your highlight while shooting the movie?

DI: My highlight of filming was singing the national anthem at Silverstone with all the drivers and then walking the grid.

You underwent 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 hit under such circumstance week after week is out of this world.

You worked closely with several people in F1 while making the movie, including Lewis Hamilton. How did that help 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 through being around the drivers. They made it way 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: I think it is a testament to the hard work and time we put into creating the film. We poured so much love into this. So the nominations were definitely a bonus.

Beyond the movie, 2025 also delivered an entertaining season on track – what were your thoughts on it?

DI: The 2025 season with all its entertainment and drama made me look forward to the next season even more. That’s the beauty of F1. The highs and lows of each team keeps it exciting.

Do you have a particular F1 hero from the past or present?

DI: Like Joshua Pearce, Lewis [Hamilton] is definitely my F1 hero and dear friend.

How much 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. Just like the weather, these changes keep the races exciting.