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The thrill of being on track with F1 legends
As the opening notes of “God Save the King” echoed across the grid at the 2023 British Grand Prix, Damson Idris found himself in a whirlwind of excitement. Standing alongside F1 world champion Max Verstappen and Hollywood star Brad Pitt, Idris was acutely aware of how surreal this moment was. “This is nuts,” he thought, overwhelmed by the roar of eight jets from the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows soaring overhead.
For Idris, this wasn’t just a historical moment in his career; it was a transition from being a fan to stepping into the shoes of his character, Joshua Pearce—a determined rookie in the high-octane world of Formula 1. With the last notes of the anthem signaling the start of the race, Idris had to channel his character’s energy while navigating through the bustling grid filled with real F1 mechanics and cars. It was a race against time—less than 15 minutes to capture a pivotal scene in the $300 million film titled “F1.” The stakes were high; any slip could mean losing the scene entirely.
A theatrical experience on the F1 grid
Idris likened the pressure of filming on the F1 grid to performing on stage. In a moment of intense focus, he recalled the moment “We Will Rock You” blared through the speakers, igniting a rush of adrenaline as he prepared to embody Pearce. He had to remind himself to shake off the nerves of being Damson and fully embrace his character.
“It was kind of like being on stage, like theater,” Idris expressed in an interview. The magic of those moments was palpable, and he eagerly anticipates sharing it with the audience. The film follows the narrative of Pearce and Hayes, played by Pitt, as they navigate the challenges faced by their struggling team, APX GP, during a turbulent F1 season.
Real racing, real challenges
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski aimed for authenticity in their filmmaking approach. They shunned green screens in favor of real-world stunts, filming on actual tracks during Grand Prix weekends. Idris and Pitt were trained to drive modified F2 cars, adapted by the Mercedes F1 team to fit seamlessly within the F1 environment.
During their training, Idris experienced the thrill of driving at speeds reaching up to 180 miles per hour. Despite his initial fears, he found the experience exhilarating. “Being in these cars and driving at such speeds is the most exhilarating feeling in the world,” he shared, expressing newfound confidence in his abilities.
The mentorship of Lewis Hamilton
One of the highlights for Idris was the opportunity to work closely with Lewis Hamilton, who served as an executive producer for the film. Hamilton provided invaluable insights and coaching during their training sessions. Idris fondly recalled Hamilton’s constant presence on set, offering guidance as he and Pitt honed their racing skills.
Idris described his experience as transformative, highlighting how each track day brought him closer to mastering the intricacies of racing. “Lewis was there all the time giving us pointers, and it made us feel like part of the crew,” he noted. The camaraderie among the cast and crew, especially with Hamilton, added depth to the filming experience.
Racing beyond the screen
Having immersed himself in the world of racing, Idris expressed a desire to continue his journey beyond the film. He humorously mentioned being approached by a team principal about potential racing lessons. The prospect of participating in charity races alongside fellow actors and real-life F1 drivers excited him.
Reflecting on his time on set, Idris compared his character, Joshua Pearce, to real-life F1 drivers who face their own struggles and triumphs. “Joshua embodies the spirit of any young athlete trying to prove himself in the competitive world of motorsport,” he shared, drawing parallels with current F1 dynamics.
Looking ahead to the film’s release
The anticipation surrounding the film is palpable, and Idris eagerly awaits the audience’s reaction, especially from those within the racing community. His desire to please the F1 drivers who supported their journey emphasizes the connection between art and sport. “I can’t wait to see their reaction to the film,” he said, highlighting the importance of authenticity in capturing the essence of racing.
As the film gears up for its release, Idris reflects on how this experience has ignited a passion for racing within him. The world of motorsport is not just a backdrop for the film; it has become a significant part of his journey as an actor and a person. As fans look forward to the film’s premiere, Idris’s story serves as a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets opportunity.