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Simone Ashley, renowned for her role as Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton,” has joined the star-studded cast of the upcoming Formula 1 racing film, “F1,” alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. This highly anticipated movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, promises to deliver an adrenaline-packed experience on and off the track.
“F1” centers on Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a former Formula 1 driver who returns to the sport to mentor rookie Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. The duo will race for APXGP, a fictional 11th team in the Formula 1 grid. Filming for the movie has been taking place during actual Grand Prix weekends to enhance authenticity. Notably, Pitt has undergone extensive training at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France to realistically perform the racing scenes.
Simone Ashley’s role in the movie remains under wraps, but her involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Other prominent cast members include Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Samson Kayo. The film’s production team boasts industry heavyweights like Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, alongside Pitt himself, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner from Plan B Entertainment. Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton also serves as a co-producer, ensuring the racing sequences are as realistic as possible.
The production of “F1” has been notable for its commitment to realism. Pitt and Idris were spotted at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where they were filming scenes for the movie. Kosinski’s team is employing cutting-edge technology, including modified F2 cars and small 6K cameras, to capture the high-speed action from the driver’s perspective. This approach mirrors the techniques used in “Top Gun: Maverick,” promising visually stunning and immersive racing scenes.
Scheduled for a theatrical release on June 25, 2025, internationally, and June 27, 2025, in North America, “F1” is poised to be a major cinematic event. Warner Bros. Pictures will handle its distribution in theaters and IMAX, offering audiences a grand viewing experience.
Simone Ashley continues to build her impressive portfolio with this project. Following her acclaimed performance in “Bridgerton,” she will star in the psychological thriller “This Tempting Madness” and will also executive produce and star in the rom-com “Picture This” for Prime Video.
In her recent acceptance speech at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Ashley emphasized her ambition and dedication to her craft. She expressed her desire to produce stories that might not otherwise be told, highlighting the transformative potential of being involved in both acting and production roles.
With such a dynamic cast and an experienced production team, “F1” is set to bring the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing to the big screen in an unprecedented manner. Fans of racing and high-stakes drama alike will eagerly await its release.
