In the upcoming film centered on Formula 1, Brad Pitt mentorship F1 movie takes center stage both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Damson Idris, who stars as rookie driver Joshua Pearce, has opened up about the meaningful guidance Pitt offered him throughout the demanding shoot.
Although the two actors play rivals in the film, their real-life relationship was anything but combative during production. Idris described Pitt as
“an amazing, giving, humble human being.”
Filming brought intense challenges, but Pitt supported Idris with encouragement through each moment. Speaking about his co-star’s encouraging presence, Idris shared,
“He constantly wants you to win,”
and added,
“The best thing I got from Brad is like the movie, which is so funny: Forget about the noise and focus on the race.”
Brad Pitt Provided Guidance and Inspiration During Filming
Brad Pitt, often reflecting on his life and career in recent times, became a mentor to Damson Idris during the production of the F1 film. Their bond extended beyond high-octane driving scenes and dramatic car crashes. As reported by US Weekly, Idris recalled,
“Anytime you have ups and downs in life, like clouds, they too shall pass,”
and emphasized,
“I think that’s the greatest piece of advice I got from Brad — to just focus on the goal: telling great stories and being a part of great movies.”
Pitt’s perspective appeared to resonate deeply with Idris, offering both direction and reassurance as the younger actor navigated the pressures of Hollywood and blockbuster filmmaking.
Onscreen Rivalry Mirrors Offscreen Mentorship
In F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt brings to life Sonny Hayes, a once-celebrated Formula 1 driver who is drawn back to the sport after suffering a near-fatal accident. His mission: to mentor the prodigious Joshua Pearce, played by Idris, who is distracted by the glare of fame and the chaos of modern sports celebrity. Early tension between their characters grows as Pearce struggles, restless under the spotlight, frequently reminded of his late father’s advice:
“Put your head down and drive.”
At the same time, Hayes—living modestly in a van and competing in smaller races—reenters the limelight at the urging of a former teammate, portrayed by Javier Bardem.
The film’s commitment to authenticity saw both Pitt and Idris perform many of their own driving sequences, hitting speeds up to 180 MPH. This high-speed work was accomplished with the help of F1 legend and producer Lewis Hamilton, whose guidance proved invaluable. The dangers of real-world racing were not lost on Idris, who described the experience as
“The scariest thing in the world,”
yet ultimately found the adrenaline and realism added depth and excitement to the finished film.
Directed by the creators of Top Gun: Maverick, the F1 movie blends mentorship, rivalry, and genuine racing action, delivering intensity both on and off the track. As the film gears up for its theatrical debut on Friday, June 27, audiences can expect a story shaped by both competitive spirit and heartfelt guidance.
Brad Pitt’s approach to sharing wisdom with Damson Idris illustrates the value of mentorship in high-stakes environments. Their dynamic not only defines the narrative but also highlights how support behind the scenes can elevate performances. With the expertise of Lewis Hamilton and the involvement of figures like Javier Bardem, the movie weaves together elements of real-world racing culture and dramatic storytelling, setting a new standard for authenticity in sports films.
