Damson Idris Shares How 'F1' Made Him a More Cautious Driver
Damson Idris talks racing with Brad Pitt in ‘F1’, and says hitting 180 mph made him drive much safer in real life.
Damson Idris is hitting the big screen this summer in F1, a racing drama alongside 
Brad Pitt that hits theaters nationwide on June 27. Idris plays Joshua Pierce, an ambitious rookie who clashes with Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver making a comeback.
Idris trained hard for the role, telling PEOPLE: “I have so much respect for F1 drivers and the speeds that they reach.” Shooting at up to 180 mph even changed his everyday driving: “It actually made me drive a lot safer… just cruising and minding my business,” he laughed.
Idris also built a genuine friendship with Pitt off-screen. “He’s the most humble person and such a brilliant actor,” Idris said. “He wants you to win.” The actor, who broke out in Snowfall, says this film opened his eyes to the sport and its intensity.
F1 hits theaters June 27, 2025.