The high-octane world of Formula 1 has roared onto the silver screen with "F1: The Movie," earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, as actor Damson Idris celebrates his deepened connection to the sport and co-producer Lewis Hamilton juggles awards season with his racing schedule.

Idris' Journey from Fan to Ambassador

British actor Damson Idris found his passion for Formula 1 in a familiar way, playing the F1 video game with his brothers. In 2018, Idris went to his first race—the Hungarian Grand Prix—and watched Lewis Hamilton win. That's when things got real. That experience, Idris said in an interview, left him "hooked" on the sport.

Four years later, Idris landed a role in the Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski project, "F1: The Movie." He played rookie driver Joshua Pearce, a part that transformed his understanding of the sport. Before filming, Idris focused primarily on the drivers, unaware of the extensive team effort required for each race.

Once he was deep in the production, Idris got it: this whole thing runs on collaboration. "It really takes a village to pull this off," Idris explained, noting his newfound respect for the intricate mechanics and the countless individuals behind every car. He once thought Hamilton built and fixed his own car, but now understands it as a profound team effort.

The film's success locked Idris in with Formula 1 for good. He recently became F1's newest global ambassador, a role he calls "very organic" due to his genuine love for the sport. His first project in this capacity was the "All to Drive For" campaign video, featuring Idris alongside actual F1 drivers. He hopes his involvement can inspire new audiences worldwide, especially as F1 continues its expansion in the United States.

Behind the Scenes and on the Track

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton played a crucial role behind the scenes of "F1: The Movie." He co-produced the film and made a cameo appearance, working closely with director Joseph Kosinski and lead producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Hamilton advised on the script and even participated in a driving day with the movie's lead star, Brad Pitt, offering insights into the authentic experience of a Formula 1 driver.

Despite the four Oscar nods, Hamilton won't make it to Sunday's ceremony. His racing commitments, specifically the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, make the journey to Los Angeles impossible. Shanghai's a 12.5-hour flight from Hollywood, and with a 15-hour time difference, he'd land too late even if he bolted right after the race.

Hamilton expressed immense pride in the movie's recognition, stating he "never ever thought in a million years that that would be the outcome." He finds it "amazing to see" the global promotion and the "buzz" the film has generated, attracting new fans to the sport he loves. The movie also secured a BAFTA for Best Sound last month at a ceremony in London.

A Cinematic Spectacle

Director Joseph Kosinski, acclaimed for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick," brought a similar flair for immersive action to "F1: The Movie." The production pushed technological boundaries, inventing new camera systems, including remote-controlled units, designed to place viewers directly "in the driving seat." That's the film's real weapon: it lets you feel what high-speed racing actually feels like.

The film, which also stars Brad Pitt in a leading role, was reportedly pitched as "Top Gun in a car." Pitt's presence was a strategic move to appeal to a broader audience, particularly the "middle-aged petrolhead" demographic. His role draws comparisons to Steve McQueen's iconic performance in the racing classic "Le Mans," solidifying the film's appeal beyond traditional F1 fans. "F1: The Movie" itself is described as a "sleek, burnished motion picture artefact," meticulously crafted and visually stunning, reflecting the intricate technology it showcases.

The Oscar Race

While "F1: The Movie" has garnered significant popular and critical acclaim, its chances for a Best Picture Oscar remain an uphill battle. The film is currently considered a "massive outsider," with odds of 200-1. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has historically shown a preference for less "mainstream" films. "Oppenheimer," which won Best Picture in 2024, was the first top Oscar winner in two decades to rank among the year's top 10 box office earners.

"F1" finished 14th on the North American box office list for 2025. Being on Apple TV+ probably hurt its theatrical run, which means fewer Academy voters actually saw it in a theater. Nevertheless, the film's nominations for Best Visual Effects and other technical categories highlight its significant achievements in cinematic craftsmanship and its contribution to the ongoing "fashiontainment" era of Formula 1.

Hamilton remains focused on the Chinese Grand Prix, even as his co-produced film continues to make waves across the global entertainment industry.