British actor Damson Idris is swapping the fictional cockpit for a very real role in the paddock after being named a global brand ambassador for Formula 1.
Fresh from the box-office storm of F1: The Movie – which has roared past $630 million worldwide since its June 2025 release – Idris is now officially part of the sport’s inner circle.
In the film, he played rookie sensation Joshua Pearce alongside Brad Pitt’s grizzled veteran Sonny Hayes, as the fictional APXGP squad fought to save itself from collapse in a nine-race showdown.
But the Hollywood spectacle was anything but make-believe behind the scenes. Idris and Pitt drove modified Formula 2 machinery during actual grand prix weekends, embedding the cast and crew deep within the F1 paddock.
It was there that Idris’ connection with the sport shifted from professional assignment to personal passion.
In his new ambassadorial role, Idris will attend select race weekends, front promotional campaigns and help connect Formula 1 with broader entertainment and cultural audiences.
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"I’ve always been drawn to spaces where culture, performance, and precision meet, and Formula 1 sits right at the centre of that," Idris explained.
"I had an enormous amount of respect for it before making the film, but getting closer to it gave me a real understanding of the innovation, the heart, and the intensity behind everything, and the elite level the drivers operate at.
"I’m genuinely excited to step into this role as a global ambassador. Being part of this world now means a lot to me, and I’m proud to represent something that inspires and connects people all over the world."
Formula 1’s Cultural Acceleration
For F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the appointment is more than celebrity sparkle – it’s strategic acceleration.
"I’m delighted to welcome Damson Idris officially to the Formula 1 family. Following his starring role in F1: The Movie, which made history at the box office and helped bring our sport to new audiences, he is joining us as an official global brand ambassador.
"In Formula 1, we are all about authenticity and Damson is passionate about the sport and shares our vision to grow it, so it’s fantastic that we’ll continue to work with him.
“With his incredible platform and position in the entertainment and lifestyle space, together we will push the boundaries of how we reach fans."
From fictional rookie to global ambassador, Idris’ F1 journey has come full throttle – and this time, the spotlight is entirely real.
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