“F1” star Damson Idris has been named Formula 1‘s global ambassador.
The news comes days after Idris helped launch the new Formula 1 season by appearing in the new “All To Drive For” campaign which he appears in with all 22 drivers.
Idris co-starred in the “F1” movie last year alongside Brad Pitt. In the film, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former driver who is forced out of retirement to help a losing F1 racing team. Sonny must mentor and partner with rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Idris. Director Joseph Kosinski and his crew filmed at live Grand Prix races around the world with Formula 1’s full collaboration.
The movie grossed more than $630 million at the box office and is the most successful sports movie of all time.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Damson Idris officially to the Formula 1 family. Following his starring role in ‘F1: The Movie,’ which made history at the box office and helped bring our sport to new audiences, he is joining us as an official Global Brand Ambassador. In Formula 1, we are all about authenticity and Damson is passionate about the sport and shares our vision to grow it, so it’s fantastic that we’ll continue to work with him. With his incredible platform and position in the entertainment and lifestyle space, together we will push the boundaries of how we reach fans.”
Idris added, “I’ve always been drawn to spaces where culture, performance, and precision meet, and Formula 1 sits right at the centre of that. I had an enormous amount of respect for it before making the
film, but getting closer to it gave me a real understanding of the innovation, the heart, and the
intensity behind everything, and the elite level the drivers operate at. I’m genuinely excited to
step into this role as a Global Ambassador. Being part of this world now means a lot to me, and
I’m proud to represent something that inspires and connects people all over the world.”
As Global Brand Ambassador, Idris will act as a bridge between the world of Formula 1 and the
wider cultural and entertainment landscape. He will attend several Grands Prix and support F1 in
various content, partner and wider promotional activities to introduce a new wave of fans into
the sport.
Aside from being Formula 1’s global brand ambassador, the actor has also turned designer with the luxury jewelry house Didris which was inspired by Damson’s mother’s heritage, Silifat Idris – a jewelry broker in Nigeria who used jewelry as a way to uplift and support his family.
Next up, he will also star in “Children of Blood and Bone” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film is due for release in January 2027. He’s also set to play Miles Davis in Bill Pohlad’s “Miles & Julietet” about the romance between the iconic trumpeter and Juliette Gréco.
The sport continues to grow at a rapid rate with over 827 million fans, of which 43% are under 35 and 42% are female.
