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Max Verstappen Is Nothing Like the Media Portrays, Says F1 Movie Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 5:46 AM ET

Damson Idris is peeling back the curtain on what it is really like inside the competitive world of F1 and Max Verstappen may not be what fans think he is.

Speaking about his experience while filming the F1 movie, Idris recalled attending an actual driver briefing with all 20 drivers. The scene gave him a rare insider perspective on the chemistry and relationships among the drivers, many of whom have known each other since the karting days.

“It was the first time I got to see them all together and see their little relationships,” Idris explained. Throughout the world of F1 they trade seats so much, you’re friends with this guy but then he becomes someone that you’ve got to race against. Your biggest competition is the person who’s on the team with you.”

But Idris was most surprised when he observed the reigning World Champion.

“Outside looking in, I always thought Max Verstappen didn’t have any friends,” he said. “That’s how he’s kind of portrayed by the media. But being in the world of F1, they all love each other. They all get along. Max is cool with everyone.”

Idris, who plays rookie driver Joshua Pearce in the F1 movie opposite Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes, a veteran, said that these insights helped him understand the culture of the F1 paddock.

“I always thought on the outside looking in that Max Verstappen didn’t have any friends, that’s how he’s portrayed in the media”

Not a sentence I ever thought I’d hear Damson Idris say pic.twitter.com/7kzRBCFrX3
— chloe (@vers_150516) June 26, 2025

Backed by Lewis Hamilton and directed by Joseph Kosinski, the movie aims to authentically represent the racing world, a goal that is shared by the actors.

The Dutchman, known for his no-nonsense persona on the track, has been portrayed in the media as aloof or distant. But Idris’ behind-the-scenes glimpse tells a different story—one of camaraderie, mutual respect, and maybe even unexpected friendships among the fiercest rivals in the sport.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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