The energy was electric in New York City last night as fans, celebrities, and racing royalty packed the red carpet for the world premiere of F1 The Movie. Among the stars? British actor Damson Idris and seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, both of whom are deeply embedded in the film, on and off screen.
Fresh off his Snowfall success, Idris is revving up in a whole new way. “Man, it feels amazing,” he told reporters. “I’m looking at all of the F1 footage on these huge screens. I can’t believe I’ve been blessed to be a part of such an amazing moment in film history.”
F1 is no typical sports movie. Co-starring Brad Pitt and backed by the real Formula One racing world (with full FIA support), the film goes full throttle when it comes to authenticity.
“Me and Brad are driving the cars for real, you know — while saying lines,” Idris laughed. “Yeah, yeah, very authentic.”
Filmed on actual race weekends with real F1 cars, the movie mixes high-octane drama with real-life scenarios.
“It’s not just a racing movie,” Idris explained. “It’s a film that’s full of heart and soul, and there’s so many relatable themes. I hope people feel good, because it’s a feel-good movie. Just like the movies back in the day, when you went to the cinema with your mom.”
Speaking of moms, Hamilton took a moment to reflect on his own journey, getting a little nostalgic while soaking in the premiere spotlight.
“It’s insane,” he said. “I remember coming here [New York City] when I was 17 years old with my mum and seeing this on TV growing up, so it’s very, very surreal to be here.”
Hamilton, who not only co-produced the film but also advised on racing authenticity, couldn’t stop praising the team behind it.
“It’s been a dream experience getting to work alongside Brad and Damson and Javier and Kerry — the most incredible cast. But also Joe and Jerry, who have just been phenomenal.”
A racer through and through, Hamilton lit up when talking about how the film was made: “It was filmed on race weekends, so it’s not something that’s done on green screen. It’s really been phenomenal.”
Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or just here for the cinema, F1 The Movie promises all the thrills — and then some. With a stacked cast, real racetrack action, and heartfelt storytelling, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Buckle up.
F1 The Movie hits theaters June 27. Check out the trailer below.
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Check out more photos from the premiere.
Photo Credit: Getty/Warner Bros.
