Damson Idris has been given the green light to expand his relationship with Formula 1.
The actor starred opposite Brad Pitt in the Oscar-nominated film for Best Picture F1: The moviehas officially joined the F1 family as a global brand ambassador. In this position, Idris will “serve as a bridge between the world of Formula 1 and the wider cultural and entertainment landscape,” according to Formula 1. In doing so, he will attend several Grand Prix races and support the league with content, partners and promotional activities.
“I have always been drawn to spaces where culture, performance and precision meet, and Formula 1 is at the heart of that,” Idris said in a statement. “I had a lot of respect for him before I made the film, but being close to him gave me a real understanding of the innovation, the heart and the power behind everything, and the elite level at which the drivers operate. I’m really excited to take on 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 boss Stefano Domenicali, who serves as president and CEO, said his team was delighted to adopt Idris into the family. “In Formula 1, we’re all about authenticity and Damson is passionate about the sport and shares our vision for growing it, so it’s great to continue to work with him. With his incredible platform and stature in entertainment and lifestyle, together we will push the boundaries of how we reach fans.”
The global ambassadorship is an expansion but also an extension of the relationship Idris already has with Formula 1. Having trained extensively for his role in the film – the Joseph Kosinski-directed film cast Idris as young Formula 1 driver Joshua Pearce opposite Pete Sonny Hayes – Idris has kept the relationship going and has been a presence on race weekends. He also pumped up the movie in a glamorous way thanks to his Formula 1-inspired ensemble that he wore to the Met Gala last year.
This partnership comes at a new time for F1 and the film’s location on Apple TV. in the wake of F1: The movie The highest-grossing sports film of all time, Pitt’s highest-grossing film of all time, and Apple’s biggest as well, at north of $600 million, Apple TV is about to become the exclusive US broadcast home for Formula 1 races. The news was teased during Apple TV’s recent press day in Santa Monica, where Domenicali joined Apple’s Eddy Cue to discuss the collaboration.
It is understood that Cue fielded a question from the sitting press about the possibility of a sequel. “I have one last question they asked,” Q said, holding up the iPad that answered all the reporters’ questions. “It’s my favorite question ever, and it’s kind of a throwback because both of us will answer: Will there be another Formula 1 movie given the success and how great the first one was.”
“Stay tuned,” Domenicali joked. “We’ll tell you more in the future. Never say never. But we need to embrace more of the success of this movie because it was something unique. And if you want to think about a new movie, it has to be very, very good. So, if this happens, it won’t be next year. But maybe we’ll be here next year.” [at the press day]And hopefully we have something else to announce [then]”.
Keogh then said: “I have a great announcement for him. We have 24 Formula 1 movies this year on Apple TV,” referring to the number of Formula 1 races next season. “I don’t know the ending, so it’s the best unscripted drama there can be in the world.”
As for Idris, production recently wrapped Children of blood and bones For Paramount and director Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film is scheduled to be released in January 2027. He will play Miles Davis in Bill Pohlad’s Miles & Juliette, which revolves around the romance between the famous trumpeter and Juliette Greco, who will be played by Annamaria Vartolomei.
