How Hamilton helped bring Hollywood to the F1 grid
Lewis Hamilton’s Influence Fuels Idris, Pitt in $300M ‘F1’ Movie Project
As the Red Arrows roared across the skies of Silverstone ahead of the 2023 British Grand Prix, few could imagine the high-stakes drama unfolding behind the scenes—and it wasn’t on the racetrack. Amidst the buzzing electricity of race day, British actor Damson Idris stood between two icons: reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and Hollywood legend Brad Pitt. For Idris, the moment felt surreal.
“This is nuts,” he recalled thinking, as the strains of "God Save the King" played over a scene that would double as both a real-world prelude to one of F1’s marquee events and a crucial moment in a new $300 million blockbuster film aptly titled "F1." In this instance, the actor was not merely Damson Idris, a former video gamer choosing Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren on his childhood PlayStation, but Joshua Pearce, his fictional alter ego: a raw, determined rookie fighting for relevance in the brutal world of F1.
When the anthem finished, Idris said he snapped into character, weaving his way down the Silverstone grid in full race gear alongside Pitt as movie cameras captured their every move. With real mechanics making last-minute tweaks to billion-dollar F1 machines, there would be no room for error.
“It was kind of like being on stage, like theater,” Idris said in an interview with ESPN. “As soon as I spun around and started walking, ‘We Will Rock You’ started playing, and I’m looking at Brad. He’s Sonny Hayes. I’m like, ‘I should be Joshua Pearce right now! I should stop being Damson, I should stop freaking out!’ Let me act.”
A New Standard for Racing Films
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Hollywood heavyweight Jerry Bruckheimer, “F1” aims to push the boundaries of sports filmmaking. The storyline, set during the 2023 F1 season, follows Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a seasoned but fading driver on a redemption arc, and Idris’ Pearce, a British rookie proving his worth as they race for the fictional APX GP team.
Eschewing traditional green-screen effects, Kosinski and Bruckheimer opted instead for unprecedented real-world authenticity. Idris and Pitt drove specially modified Formula 2 cars, engineered by the Mercedes F1 team to blend seamlessly with the real-life grid. Over the course of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, production merged invisibly with actual Grand Prix weekends, including track sessions, full garages, and even the nerve-wracking moments leading up to formation laps.
“What made this project so unique was that we actually drove those cars,” Idris explained. “The training process was insane—learning to control these machines at up to 180 mph. It’s an adrenaline rush like nothing else.”
To ensure expertise behind the wheel, the actors were coached extensively by pros, including Lewis Hamilton, who also served as an executive producer. Translation? This wasn’t your typical Hollywood “actor learns to drive” storyline. Hamilton’s influence, along with advice from former Formula 2 champion Luciano Bacheta and professional stunt driver Craig Dolby, was a game-changer.
“Having Lewis there constantly giving us pointers—I mean, how often do you get mentored by one of the greatest racers of all time?” Idris said.
Even then, the duo weren’t immune to stumbles. Idris laughed about his earliest track sessions. “There’s probably a bunch of B-roll of me stalling the car trying to get out of the garage while Brad’s ripping it out no problem. On the track? I’m going to say I was faster, but man, he’s quick.”
Lewis Hamilton’s Impact on Authenticity
A central figure throughout the production, Lewis Hamilton ensured the story harmonized with the authenticity that real F1 drivers and fans demand. From observing track procedures to nailing character traits, his mentorship elevated the film’s realism. Idris described Hamilton’s presence as transformative, both in technical expertise and inspiration.
“He made us feel like we were a real part of this world,” Idris said. “I can’t wait to see the drivers’ reactions at the Canadian Grand Prix screening. They’re who I want to impress most.”
Brad Pitt’s Dedication and Star Power
While the film has all the makings of becoming an instant classic among F1 loyalists, it’s Brad Pitt who gives the project unparalleled universal appeal. On set, Pitt’s dedication stunned Idris, who called his co-star "a walking monument."
“No one has the right to be as humble as he is,” Idris said with admiration. “He’s the GOAT, and he’s also such a collaborator. Any time you see Joshua shine on screen, it’s because Brad gave me that space to shine.”
For Kosinski, whose work on "Top Gun: Maverick" wowed audiences with its visceral flight scenes, the goal was clear: put audiences in the driver’s seat. With custom-built cockpit cameras, viewers will feel every gear shift, every corner, and every burst of acceleration as Idris and Pitt live out racing’s high-octane madness.
The Challenges of Filming in Formula 1
Much like the on-screen struggle of APX GP, the journey to complete the film was relentless. Shooting amidst Formula 1 weekends was a logistical feat. Real-life racers occasionally stepped in for the toughest stunts, including the pre-race formation lap at Silverstone. Off-screen, the actors spent hours perfecting the craft of racing.
“My favorite track? Austin, Texas,” Idris said, sharing how an unscripted spin during a practice session made him feel like a “real driver.”
Months on the track ignited an unexpected passion for motorsport in Idris, who might someday swap his Hollywood career for racing. “I won’t say which team principal pulled me aside to offer lessons, but I’d love to race for charity. Just put me, Brad, Michael Fassbender, Patrick Dempsey, and a few F1 drivers out there, and let’s see what happens.”
F1’s Crossover to Mainstream Entertainment
As F1 fever grips mainstream audiences thanks to Netflix’s “Drive to Survive”, the stakes for “F1” to strike the right balance between accuracy and entertainment are high. For Idris, comparisons to rookie drivers like Oscar Piastri served as inspiration for his portrayal of Joshua Pearce.
“With Joshua, you have this kid trying to make his mark in a world dominated by veterans,” Idris explained. “He embodies that underdog spirit, like so many young athletes fighting for their chance to shine.”
A New Era for Racing Movies
Ultimately, the measure of “F1” will be how it resonates with the motorsport community and beyond. Will it please the die-hard fans? Will it captivate newcomers? If the behind-the-scenes efforts and Hamilton’s influence are any indicators, the film might just redefine racing movies for a generation.
As Idris put it, “This is something truly special. It’s going to stand the test of time.”
For now, all eyes are on June, when “F1” will hit theaters and take audiences on a journey from the pits to the podium. Buckle up—it’s going to be one unforgettable ride.
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