Simone Ashley's F1 Role Got Cut—and Here's Why

The Bridgerton star does still appear in the film, which hits theaters on June 27, but don't expect any lines. According to director Joseph Kosinski, her role was one of "two or three storylines" that didn't survive the edit.

"It happens on every film," he told People. "You have to shoot more than you can use." Translation: somebody always gets cut, and this time, it was Ashley.

To be clear, this wasn't a slight on her performance. Kosinski went out of his way to praise her, calling her an "incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer," and saying he'd love to work with her again. But when it came down to runtime, her part just didn't fit.

F1, inspired by the world of Formula 1 racing, stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, alongside Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Kim Bodnia. Real-life F1 legend Lewis Hamilton not only produced the movie, he shows up in it too.

Ashley's casting was first spotted at the 2024 British Grand Prix, where she was seen filming with Idris. Fans were buzzing, but details about her role were kept quiet — probably because even Marvel would say, "We cut it too close."

To her credit, Ashley's been nothing but gracious.

"I have a very small part, but I'm grateful to be in that movie," she told ELLE earlier this month. "I got to experience many Grands Prix. I don't think I'll ever do anything like that again."

Back in March, she told Who What Wear that she first met for the project before Bridgerton even came out. "This film, gosh, has been going for years," she said, adding that the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike delayed filming. "We finally wrapped in Abu Dhabi in December. It's been a long time, and you know, it's Damson and Brad's movie. I'm just so grateful that I can be part of it."

So yes — Simone Ashley is technically in F1. Just don't expect a monologue. Or a line. Or possibly even a close-up.