Simone Ashley Talks Adrenaline-Filled Experience On Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ Racing Drama

March 17, 2025: Simone Ashley, best known for her role in Bridgerton, has shared her excitement and the intense experience of working on Brad Pitt’s upcoming high-octane racing drama F1. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film is a thrilling ride through the world of Formula 1 racing, with Ashley joining an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Lewis Hamilton, Javier Bardem, and Sarah Niles.

In an interview with Who What Wear, Ashley described the filming process as both exhilarating and challenging, especially as the crew shot scenes alongside real Grand Prix races. The cast had limited time for each shot, often getting only a few minutes to capture critical moments. “Sometimes, we literally had one take for certain shots,” she explained, highlighting the fast-paced nature of the shoot. “You’d see on the call sheet eight minutes to get this one thing because we were shooting alongside the races.”

Ashley went on to describe the rush of filming amidst the energy of the real races. “It was amazing, the adrenaline. It was kind of like theater. It felt so live,” she said, recalling the chaotic yet thrilling environment. “You hear the crowd, the fireworks, and the cars. Everything’s just so fast-paced and noisy, and we’re all together as a little unit. It was just one of the craziest things I think I’ve ever been part of.”

The actress also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. She noted the challenges posed by strikes and delays but emphasized how rewarding it was to be part of such a high-profile project. “I’m just so grateful that I can be part of it. We’ve toured with the Grand Prix. We were filming at the real races,” Ashley added.

F1 follows the story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a former Formula 1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Pearce is a rising star in the sport, driving for the fictional APXGP team. The movie was filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, giving it an authentic feel as the team competes against the real titans of the sport.

Fans can expect an adrenaline-pumping ride when F1 hits theaters worldwide on June 27, 2025.