Damson Idris Says Starring in F1 Made Him a Safer Driver: 'Just Cruising and Minding My Business'

Published: June 23, 2025

Damson Idris, the star of the new Formula 1 drama film F1, has revealed that his experience filming the movie has made him a safer driver in real life.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Idris, 33, said that playing a Formula 1 driver in the film, which also stars Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon, has given him a newfound respect for the speeds that F1 drivers reach and the pressure they're under.

"I'm not going to lie, it actually made me drive a lot safer," Idris said at the New York City premiere of F1 on June 16. "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."

Idris, who drove up to 180 mph while shooting scenes for the movie, added that he's now more cautious behind the wheel. "So yeah, now when I'm in the car, I'm definitely just cruising and minding my business."

F1, which opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 27, follows the story of a rookie Formula 1 driver, played by Idris, who becomes the teammate of a former F1 driver, played by Pitt, who comes back to the sport after decades away.

Idris previously told PEOPLE that he bonded with Pitt, 61, despite their characters' differing approaches, and that he was in awe of Pitt's humility and brilliance as an actor.

F1 director Joseph Kosinski also praised Idris, saying that he "has it all" and is excited to see where he goes from this movie.

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris filming F1 in Northampton, England, on July 9, 2023.