The recent article titled “We were driving F1 cars at 180mph and still had to look cute,” revolves around the new film *F1: The Movie*, which features the talented actor Damson Idris alongside Hollywood star Brad Pitt. Released in the UK on June 28, 2025, the film has been met with generally positive reviews, marking a significant moment in Idris’s burgeoning film career.
Idris shares his experiences preparing for this role, revealing that he spent considerable time learning to drive actual F1 cars at high speeds. He expressed his surprise at the challenges involved: “How do I look cute when the wind is hitting me at 180mph?” Such sentiments highlight the lighthearted yet demanding nature of his role. While discussing his experience on iconic tracks like Silverstone and Rockingham, he reflects on the thrill of driving at extraordinary speeds, saying, “I was moving, it was fire!” This duality of high-octane racing and the need to maintain a specific image adds an interesting layer to his preparation.
A significant influence in Idris’s life during this project came from the renowned current F1 driver Sir Lewis Hamilton, who not only served as one of the film’s producers but also made a cameo appearance. Idris describes Hamilton’s presence on set as invigorating. “He really encouraged me,” he shared, appreciating Hamilton’s authenticity and energy, which contributed to the movie’s overarching aim of being the most realistic racing film ever made. The inclusion of Hamilton helped ground the cinematic experience in real-life F1 dynamics, further enhancing the film’s credibility.
However, not all was smooth sailing for Idris on set. He recounted an awkward moment where, during filming, he accidentally ended up spitting on his co-star Brad Pitt. This light-hearted confession became something that followed him around post-interviews, especially after he candidly discussed the incident on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*. “I never should have said it,” he admitted, emphasizing the humorous side of the mishap while acknowledging its inherent awkwardness.
Idris’s journey in the film industry has been a long and arduous one. Growing up in Peckham, South London, he broke out into the acting scene with the 2017 crime drama *Snowfall*. Despite receiving acclaim from several organizations recognizing Black artists, such as BET and NAACP, he felt overlooked by mainstream award bodies. “It’s funny that every single award that the culture could give me, I won,” he noted, reflecting the recognition he received from the industry that champions cultural contributions.
Transitioning to major projects like *F1: The Movie* poses unique challenges, and Idris credits the support of his mother during periods of rejection as pivotal to his success. Her empowering conversations instilled in him the values of manifestation and acceptance, preparing him emotionally for the realities of the acting profession. He expressed his gratitude toward her by stating, “That knowledge makes you prepared for when it actually is a reality.”
Idris’s growth as an actor culminates in the exciting project alongside the venerable Brad Pitt, which stands as a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite the pressures of living up to a big Hollywood title, he continues to exude confidence and charm, showing audiences that there’s more than just racing adrenaline on screen; there’s a young actor making his mark in the cinematic world. His experiences double as motivation both to him and perhaps to many aspiring actors who watch him navigate his career.
Ultimately, *F1: The Movie* is not just a racing film; it symbolizes a stepping stone for Idris, showcasing every twist and turn both on and off the track, highlighting the intersection of passion, culture, and persistence in the world of film.
