Damson Idris may be hitting 180 mph on screen — but off-camera, he’s cruising slower than ever.
The Snowfall star is set to light up the big screen in the high-octane racing drama F1, premiering June 27. But while the role required him to push the limits behind the wheel, Idris says the experience actually had the opposite effect on his real-life driving habits.
???? From Speed Demon to Sunday Driver
In a new interview with PEOPLE, Idris opened up about how filming F1 made him reassess his own driving style.
“I’m not going to lie, it actually made me drive a lot safer,” he said.
“I have so much respect for F1 drivers and the speeds that they reach and the amount of pressure that they’re under while they reach those speeds.”
At one point during production, Idris found himself clocking in at a staggering 180 mph — a speed that would make even seasoned pros sweat.
“So yeah, now when I’m in the car, I’m definitely just cruising and minding my business.”
???? Inside the Movie: Idris and Pitt’s High-Speed Chemistry
In the upcoming film, Idris plays Joshua Pierce, a rookie Formula 1 racer thrown into the intense world of international motorsport. His mentor and on-track rival? None other than Brad Pitt, who plays Sonny Hayes, a legendary driver coming out of retirement.
Though their characters clash in the storyline, Idris says the off-screen bond was anything but tense.
“It was a seamless dynamic between us. As soon as they’d yell ‘Cut!’, we both sat in our seats and giggled.”
Pitt, an Oscar winner and Hollywood icon, made a big impression on Idris — both professionally and personally.
“He’d be telling me stories of when he first met Prince and Sidney Poitier. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is just too iconic; you’re a walking monument.’”
???? Brad Pitt Helped Him Level Up
Idris didn’t hold back on praising his co-star, calling Pitt “the most humble person and such a brilliant actor.”
“He wants you to win,” Idris said. “And he did that for me the entire movie — made a point of having the two characters be equals — so I’m incredibly indebted to him.”
Their friendship and mutual respect, he says, helped elevate his performance.
“I can’t wait for people to see it.”
???? Damson Went All In for the Role
To prepare for the demanding part, Idris said he “watched every single race” he could, fully immersing himself in the world of Formula 1.
The dedication paid off, as he joins a film that promises to be one of the most adrenaline-packed releases of the summer. With real F1 footage, track-level cinematography, and an A-list cast, the film is expected to attract both racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
???? What We Know About F1
- Title: F1
- Release Date: Friday, June 27
- Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris
- Directed By: Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick)
- Produced By: Apple Original Films, in collaboration with Formula 1
The film follows Sonny Hayes, a legendary driver returning to the circuit, as he mentors — and competes with — rising star Joshua Pierce.
???? Damson Idris’ Rise to Stardom
From gritty drama in Snowfall to Hollywood action and A-list collaborations, Damson Idris is quickly becoming one of the most versatile young actors in the game.
His rumored involvement in Black Panther 3 also has fans buzzing, though Idris recently gave a cryptic “yes-no” when asked about it. Either way, his name is on everyone’s radar, and F1 could mark his biggest mainstream breakthrough yet.
???? Sound Off:
Are you excited for F1?
Would YOU trust yourself going 180 mph on a real track?
Is Damson Idris Hollywood’s next breakout action star?
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???? Fasten your seatbelts — this summer, Damson’s hitting the gas.
