Formula 1 signs Damson Idris as Global Brand Ambassador

Formula 1 has officially welcomed acclaimed British actor Damson Idris (pictured) as its new Global Brand Ambassador, extending a collaboration that began with his standout performance in the blockbuster F1 The Movie.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The announcement, made on February 25, 2026, follows the recent launch of F1’s “All To Drive For” campaign, which already featured Idris prominently. It marks a natural progression in what F1 describes as an “authentic and valued relationship” between the Hollywood star and the world’s premier motorsport series.

Idris co-starred alongside Brad Pitt in F1 The Movie, playing rising driver Joshua Pearce in a fictional APXGP team. The film, shot with full F1 cooperation at actual Grand Prix weekends, became the most successful sports movie of all time, grossing more than $630 million at the global box office. Idris’s immersive preparation—including extensive driver training—transformed him from a leading man into a genuine paddock regular and passionate advocate for the sport.

The partnership aims to blend Idris’s cultural influence, storytelling prowess, and lifestyle appeal with F1’s global platform, creating crossover moments that appeal both on and off the track.

“I’m delighted to welcome Damson Idris officially to the Formula 1 family,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. “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, now titled F1 Global Brand Ambassador, echoed the excitement: “I’ve always been drawn to spaces where culture, performance, and precision meet, and Formula 1 sits right at the center 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.”

In his new role, Idris will attend multiple Grands Prix throughout the season and collaborate on content, partner activations, and promotional campaigns. The goal is to introduce fresh audiences to Formula 1, which currently boasts more than 827 million fans worldwide—with 43% under the age of 35 and 42% female.

The move comes at a pivotal moment for the sport, as F1 continues its rapid expansion into entertainment and lifestyle realms. Idris’s involvement is expected to further bridge the gap between high-octane racing and mainstream pop culture, building on the momentum generated by F1 The Movie.

Fans can look forward to seeing the British-Nigerian star trackside in 2026, bringing his signature charisma to one of the most dynamic stages in global sport.