Damson Idris frames his F1 experience as a masterclass in legacy-building, with Brad Pitt as the wise mentor guiding him toward long-term career sustainability rather than fleeting moments of fame.
While Damson plays nice about Brad's mentorship, there's competitive fire underneath—he proudly declared himself 'faster than Brad' on the red carpet. Insiders say his upcoming slate (Children of Blood and Bone, Miles Davis) signals he's positioning for major star power beyond the racing film.
The 98th Oscars took place March 15, 2026 at Dolby Theater in Hollywood, hosted by Conan O'Brien. Damson told Zuri Hall on Live from E!: 'This is a long game... Don't chase moments, chase legacy.' Brad Pitt pursued his racing movie dream for 20 years before F1 finally came to fruition.
Damson Idris isn't just riding shotgun in Brad Pitt's racing film—he's taking the wheel on his own career trajectory. With F1 as the launchpad and legacy on his mind, this British actor is signaling he's here to stay.
Damson Idris arrived at the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026 ready to prove he's more than just a passenger in Hollywood. The F1 star stepped onto the Dolby Theater red carpet in a satin blue Prada suit and shared exactly what working with Brad Pitt taught him about surviving this industry for the long haul.
"This is a long game," Damson told Zuri Hall on Live from E!: Oscars 2026. "Ups and downs. [He has taught me:] Don't chase moments, chase legacy. And I'm doing that with the roles that I play. F1 is just the start." The 34-year-old actor made it clear that his collaboration with the Oceans 11 star was about far more than one film—it's about absorbing wisdom from someone who's mastered the art of career longevity. The London-born actor teased an ambitious slate ahead, mentioning his upcoming work on Children of Blood and Bone and his role portraying jazz legend Miles Davis.
But don't mistake the mentorship for one-way street. When asked about his driving skills compared to Pitt's, Damson didn't hesitate: "I am. I'm actually faster than Brad." It's the kind of confident banter that suggests their on-set chemistry translated into genuine friendship—and a little friendly competition on the track.
Brad Pitt's passion for racing runs deeper than most Hollywood dalliances. He told Formula 1 in June that F1 racing represents some of his earliest memories watching Jackie Stewart, and he's been trying to get a racing movie made for 20 years. "I've tried bikes, I've tried cars, I've tried different disciplines, and for whatever reason they never came to fruition," he explained. F1's Best Picture nomination at this year's Oscars validates that persistence paid off—and Damson gets to share in that moment.
The film's commitment to authenticity meant both leads actually drove the cars rather than relying on soundstages with wind machines. Real-life racing royalty Lewis Hamilton visited set as what Brad called the ultimate "smell test" to ensure everything felt genuine. "Everyone has had a hand honing this thing," Brad noted, crediting the collaborative effort that made F1 feel lived-in and real.
