Filmmaker Joseph Kosinski is at the center of a swirl of disappointment, after confirming that Simone Ashley’s originally significant role in F1: The Movie has been slashed to a momentary, dialogue-free cameo. The director, known for high-energy hits like Top Gun: Maverick, described the difficult editing process during the film’s June 16 New York premiere, calling it “brutal.” His decision, driven by pacing and runtime concerns, has drawn backlash from fans and fueled broader conversations about representation in Hollywood.
⏱ From Central Role to Seconds on Screen
Ashley’s casting was revealed in July 2024, shortly after her breakout in Bridgerton, with Variety first reporting her scenes alongside co-star Damson Idris—including filming at Silverstone and Monaco Grand Prix events. Her presence was highly anticipated: an enthusiastic F1 fan, she shared glimpses of the adrenaline-fueled behind‑the‑scenes process on social media and in interviews. In March, she described filming at real races as “fast‑paced and noisy,” comparing it to live theater and recalling how crews often had mere minutes to set up shots before races resumed.
However, despite a completed character arc—reported to involve Ashley’s character serving as a key rival or collaborator—Kosinski revealed that the demands of a 156-minute runtime meant “two or three storylines” had to be removed, including hers . His decision was supported by editors’ concerns about storytelling flow and audience focus on the central dynamic between Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.
The Premier Apology
At the New York premiere on June 16, Kosinski took responsibility, revealing that he personally called Ashley to break the news and praised her work as “incredible”, adding, “I would love to work with her again” . He later emphasized to People magazine that cutting scenes is “common” in filmmaking and not at all a reflection of Ashley’s talent.
Ashley herself acknowledged her reduced screen time in an interview with Elle earlier this month: “I have a very small part, but I’m grateful to be in that movie” and reflected on her time filming at multiple Grands Prix as unforgettable.
Fan Outrage and Representation Concerns
News of Ashley’s cameo sparked considerable disappointment online, particularly among F1 and Bridgerton fans. On X (formerly Twitter), critics called out perceived injustices, drawing attention to a pattern of sidelining marginalized actors after initial promotional hype. One post noted, “Audiences have noticed… it erodes trust and weakens the promise of inclusion,” echoing sentiments from other industry doubts about Hollywood’s treatment of actors of color.
This controversy has the potential to impact how studios approach casting and editing. Many argue that calling a role “substantial” during promotion should come with a guarantee of meaningful screen time—not just aired for marketing buzz.
Inside the High-Octane Production
Behind the scenes, F1: The Movie unfolds like a technical marvel. The film follows Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a washed-up F1 driver coaxed back into competition by an up-and-coming rookie, portrayed by Damson Idris. Production involved access to real-world F1 circuits, with filming alongside actual races at Silverstone, Spa‑Francorchamps, Suzuka, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere.
To achieve cinematic realism, a Mercedes‑supported team modified Formula 2 cars to resemble F1 machines, and actors—including Pitt and Idris—underwent training to handle speeds up to 180 mph . Ashley herself described the physicality and emotional vibrancy of the sets, comparing the experience to a live stage production.
The film’s key players include:
- Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes
- Damson Idris as Joshua “Noah” Pearce
- Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem in major supporting roles
At 156 minutes, F1 is a sprawling portrayal of redemption and rivalry—and while pacing remained a central editorial challenge, it also meant certain character arcs had to be sacrificed.
What Comes Next?
Ashley’s future in the F1 universe isn’t definitively closed. The casting director hinted that she still appears on-screen, despite minimal presence, and teased potential for her return in sequels. For Ashley, this experience may be bittersweet—but she retains momentum: she recently starred in and produced Picture This, and has a full schedule of upcoming roles.
For director Kosinski and producers, the decision underscores the careful balance between narrative clarity and representation. As F1 hits U.S. theaters on June 27, audiences will be attentive—not just to the roar of motors and cinematic spectacle, but to the voices that may have been left in the pits.
F1: The Movie launches in U.S. theaters on June 27, 2025, offering audiences a visceral, high-speed drama. Whether public sentiment over Ashley’s diminished role reverberates beyond opening weekend remains to be seen—but it has already prompted reflection on how Hollywood manages representation vs. runtime.