There are performances that quietly shift the cinematic landscape, and then there’s Kerry Condon’s electrifying turn in F1, the adrenaline-pumped racing drama starring Brad Pitt. With a career that’s seamlessly blended sharp indie roles and explosive genre work, Condon’s latest outing behind the wheel of Hollywood’s fastest may just propel her into the elite echelon of screen stars. And the best part? She’s only just getting started.
From the Banshees of Insherin to the High-Speed World of Formula 1
Best known for her soul-piercing work in The Banshees of Inisherin and the morally complex layers she peeled back as Stacey in Better Call Saul, Kerry Condon has once again proven her chameleon-like range. This time, she’s not waiting in the shadows of Irish pubs or dimly lit interrogation rooms—she’s standing trackside in the blistering heat of global Grand Prix circuits. As Kate McKenna, the fictional APXGP team’s race director and the first female technical director in Formula 1, Condon commands every frame she’s in.
Shot during real F1 events across the globe, F1 doesn’t just simulate speed—it lives in the danger zone. And Condon’s McKenna is the steady, intelligent force balancing chaos with precision. Her role isn’t just a nod to gender progress in sports—it’s a full-throttle statement about authority, expertise, and presence in a male-dominated arena.
Working with Brad Pitt Was ‘A Dream Come True’ for the Irish Star
In a recent press day at Goodwood, Condon spoke with infectious enthusiasm about her experience working alongside Brad Pitt. “Working with Brad was just a dream come true,” she said, with a humility that somehow only adds to her on-screen gravitas. Pitt, who plays veteran driver Sonny Hayes, isn’t just a co-star—he’s a cinematic institution. And Condon’s goal of becoming “one of his top ten co-stars” feels less like a joke and more like a mission statement from someone who knows her worth.
Her chemistry with Pitt is understated but powerful. In a film that thrives on explosive race sequences and emotional grit, their interactions provide a grounded humanity. Pitt, known for elevating every scene he’s in, found a partner in Condon who wasn’t just keeping pace—she was setting it.
Real Races, Real Risks, and a Fictional Team That Feels Utterly Authentic
With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on board as producer and consultant, F1 achieves a level of authenticity rarely seen in sports films. The involvement of Hamilton isn’t just a marketing flex—it’s a guarantee that the racing feels real. And it does. Filming at actual Grand Prix events, including Silverstone, the crew inserted the fictional APXGP team seamlessly into live races.
Condon’s McKenna is at the heart of this integration. As a technical director, her role behind the scenes is crucial—not just in the plot, but in how the film immerses viewers in the strategic battleground that is F1 racing. It’s a role that combines intellect with intensity, and Condon nails every micro-expression, every calculated decision under pressure.
Partnering with Damson Idris Brought Energy and Dynamism to the Track
Sharing the screen with Damson Idris, who plays rookie driver Joshua Pearce, Condon brought a dynamic energy to the trio’s relationship. She described working with Idris as “fun” and praised his youthful enthusiasm. Idris, a self-confessed F1 fan who binge-watched Drive to Survive to prepare for the role, clearly fed off Condon’s seasoned presence.
Their on-screen rapport adds another layer to the film’s emotional engine. While Pitt’s Hayes represents experience and grit, Pearce is passion and recklessness. McKenna is the calculated heart—keeping the team balanced and focused. It’s a brilliant character triangle, and Condon’s role as the emotional and strategic anchor cannot be overstated.
Giant Ambitions: What’s Next for Kerry Condon?
While F1 is sure to be a summer hit for fans of racing and action alike, Condon’s involvement in the film world extends beyond the asphalt. Deadline recently revealed her attachment to Giant, an upcoming English-language remake of Corazón de León, where she’ll star opposite Woody Harrelson. The film promises to tackle prejudice with humor and heart, and with a script penned by the writer behind Oscar-winner A Fantastic Woman, it’s another project that’s perfectly aligned with Condon’s knack for emotionally resonant storytelling.
Why Kerry Condon’s Career Trajectory Is One to Watch
Condon’s journey from voice work in Marvel’s Iron Man and Doctor Strange (where she subtly stole scenes as F.R.I.D.A.Y.) to leading roles in adult dramas and now high-octane sports thrillers is nothing short of remarkable. She brings the same intensity to every genre she touches, and that adaptability is what makes her a modern powerhouse.
With F1, Kerry Condon hasn’t just played a role—she’s claimed a lane. A lane that’s fast, fierce, and undeniably hers. And as the engines roar and the lights go green on her latest performance, one thing is clear: Hollywood better watch out. Kerry Condon is coming through at full speed.