Hollywood star Damson Idris has extended his run with the Formula One family, joining the sports franchise as a Global Brand Ambassador following the launch of F1’s “All To Drive For” campaign, in which he starred.

Damson, a British actor born to Nigerian parents in London, starred in F1: The Movie about one-year ago. The Formula 1-themed film, which also starred Brad Pitt, was heavily soundtracked by Afrobeats influences. The movie became the most successful sports film of all time, having grossed over $630 million at the box office. The Joseph Kosinski-directed film holds nominations in four categories at the Academy Awards coming up on March 15.

Before Damson’s appointment was announced on February 25, the actor, alongside the 22 drivers prominently featured in “All To Drive For,” campaign for the new Formula 1 season, which starts on March 6.

A new era with a familiar face ❤️

Already part of the F1 family, we welcome Damson Idris as an Official Ambassador 👊#F1 pic.twitter.com/JY8b0Oyp34

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 25, 2026

His new role with F1 will see the Hollywood star bridge the sports organisation with the entertainment field. The Snowfall and Swarm actor will attend several Grand Prix events and support the brand through various content elements aimed at introducing new fans to car racing.

“I’m delighted to welcome Damson Idris officially to the Formula 1 family,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, in press materials. “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.”

In F1: The Movie, Idris was a sight to behold as Joshua Pearce, a rising driver within a fictional team embedded in the paddock. Having trained extensively for his role in the movie, which was filmed at live Grand Prixs with F1’s full collaboration, the 34-year-old has undoubtedly grown into a strong advocate for the sport.

 

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“I’ve always been drawn to spaces where culture, performance, and precision meet, and Formula 1 sits right at the centre of that,” he said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Africa, amid the interest of countries like South Africa, Rwanda, and even Nigeria, does not appear any closer, with the latest indications suggesting it may not happen until at least 2029.