Damson Idris brings the racetrack to the Met Gala red carpet with 'F1' movie-inspired Tommy Hilfiger look

On a night known for fashion risks and unforgettable statements, Damson Idris claimed the crown for the most jaw-dropping moment of the 2025 Met Gala. With the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" setting the tone, the British actor didn't just walk the red carpet — he raced into the spotlight, delivering a theatrical, high-octane fashion reveal that has since been hailed as “the best reveal of the entire night.”

Damson Idris channels F1 speed and Met Gala glam in eye-catching outfit switch

Arriving like a Formula 1 champion, Damson Idris stepped onto the iconic Met steps in a fully suited APXGP racing outfit, a nod to his upcoming film F1 where he stars alongside Brad Pitt. But what truly sent shockwaves through the crowd and across social media was the transformation that followed. In one smooth motion, his glittering racing suit—complete with a helmet adorned with 20,000 Swarovski crystals—was ripped away to unveil a striking, custom-made Tommy Hilfiger tuxedo. The sharp, tailored rouge ensemble, patterned in classic Tommy Tartan plaid, not only honored the theme but also embodied the perfect blend of style and storytelling.

Damson Idris in Tommy Hilfiger. Both Actor and Designer are part of the F1 movie. Hence this little moment. pic.twitter.com/Dck5UyqoEN

— sim (@simsgazette) May 5, 2025

Damson, 33, wasn’t just attending — he was making a statement, both as an actor and as a muse. “We’re excited to partner with the highly anticipated film, ‘F1,’” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Damson Idris stars as Joshua Pierce, a driver for the fictional APXGP team, and we wanted his Met Gala entrance to reflect the same cinematic energy.” And that it did — merging the speed of sport with the sophistication of fashion in a way rarely seen at the Met.

The appearance also reunited Idris with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton , co-chair of this year’s gala and a key producer of F1. “There’s no better person to teach you about F1 than Lewis Hamilton,” Idris shared during a candid moment at an IWC event. “They put me behind the wheel… but it’s unlike anything that we’re doing right now.”

Hamilton, whose past Met Gala initiatives brought Black designers into the limelight, reflected on the honor of co-chairing: “We were in London, and [Anna Wintour] told me the theme. And I was so, so excited. And then she asked me to be the co-chair… I couldn’t believe it—I was like, ‘I’m gonna say no?’”

With F1 hitting theaters on June 27, Damson Idris is racing ahead in both fashion and film. If his Met Gala reveal is any hint, audiences should expect nothing short of a thrilling ride.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton stuns at 2025 Met Gala with symbolic vintage jewels and cream-colored custom suit