Damson Idris Compares Lewis Hamilton to Michael Jordan

British actor Damson Idris compared seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton to basketball icon Michael Jordan during a recent appearance on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast. Idris, who starred as rookie driver Joshua Pearce in F1 The Movie, discussed his experiences after spending two years in the Formula 1 paddock, highlighting the close relationship he formed with Hamilton, who served as an executive producer on the film.

When asked by podcast host Tom Clarkson if working closely with Hamilton provided unique insight into his success, Idris responded affirmatively, stating, "He has that Michael Jordan thing, that it's him against him. He's not in competition with anyone else." He emphasized Hamilton's intense focus and dedication, citing the driver's concern for his legacy as a driving factor in his achievements. Idris further mentioned passionate figures across different fields like Messi, Ronaldo, and Daniel Day-Lewis, concluding that those who passionately commit to their craft tend to excel.

Idris recounted a moment he shared with Hamilton after the latter won a race in Barcelona, expressing excitement through a text message that prompted a casual reply from Hamilton, who referred to him as "Damn, son."

The actor reminisced about their first meeting at The Fashion Awards, noting the stark difference in demeanor he observed when he attended his first race in Budapest. Despite their casual connection from the awards, he respected Hamilton's focus when he realized the seriousness of the driver's pre-race routine.

Idris's reflections on Hamilton’s mentality underscore the alignment between elite athletes across sports, and their unmatched commitment to excellence can serve as an inspiration for many. The film F1 The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, had a successful release in June 2025, grossing over $634 million at the global box office with rumors of a potential sequel already emerging.