British actress Simone Ashley was announced to appear in the Brad Pitt-starrer F1 last year, but a director Joseph Kosinski revealed that her scenes were cut from the film during post-production.

In a conversation with People magazine, Kosinski explained the decision, stating, “It happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use. There were two or three storylines that ultimately didn’t make into the final cut.”

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Ashley’s absence from the F1 trailer was noted by eagle-eyed fans, which sparked speculation about the actress’ role. She was also not present for the world premiere in New York earlier this week.

Ashley, best known for her breakout role in Netflix period drama Bridgertonwas announced by American media outlet Variety in July 2024 to be a part of the racing film. The actress was spotted attending multiple Grands Prix during the 2024 FIA Formula 1 Championship, alongside Pitt and Damon Idris. During the season closer in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuitshe posted a series of photos stating that she had completed filming for the movie.

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Ashley told Elle that filming for F1 was a crazy experience. “I have a very small part, but I’m grateful to be in that movie. I got to experience many Grands Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again.”

F1 follows retired racer Sonny Hayes who is asked to team up with and mentor hotheaded rookie driver Joshua Pearce for the APXGP team. The film follows the complicated dynamic between the experienced Hayes and fresh skill Pearce as they both strive to help the team lift the World Constructors’ Championship.

Kosinski’s F1 offers an immersive experience in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. The movie was filmed during the actual race weekends during the sport’s 2024 season. Cinematographer Claudio Miranda, a frequent collaborator of Kosinski, mounted cameras onto actual Formula 1 cars and later CGI-modified to represent APXGP cars on the track.

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The film features the fictional APXGP as the 11th team on the grid, along with other real-world giants like McLaren, Ferrari HP, Red Bull, and Mercedes AMG Petronas. Adding much-needed authenticity to the fact-paced narrative, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton served as one of the producers of the film.

F1filmed for IMAX, will hit the big screens on June 27.