
Simone Ashley, best known for her breakout role as Kate Sharma in Netflixâs âBridgerton,â has confirmed that her character was removed from the final version of the high-speed racing film âF1.â
Although she had filmed a complete storyline alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the final cut leaves her with just a brief appearance with no dialogue.
Ashleyâs casting was first announced last year in July. Soon after, she was spotted on set during real Grand Prix events filming scenes for the film, which also stars Kerry Condon, Kim Bodnia, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies.
âA Very Small Part,â But a Grand Experience
Before the news of her role being cut became public, Ashley spoke to Elle about her experience filming âF1,â calling it both intense and unforgettable.
âI have a very small part, but Iâm grateful to be in that movie,â Ashley said. âI got to experience many Grands Prix, I donât think Iâll ever do anything like that again.â
In an earlier interview with Who What Wear, she revealed the film had been in development even before her big role on Netflix. It was long enough that she met with the production team before the Shonda Rhimes series even premiered in 2021.
âI met for this movie, I think, before âBridgertonâ even came out,â she said. âItâs been a long time, and you know, itâs Damson and Bradâs movie. Iâm just so grateful that I can be part of it.â
Ashley also described the fast-paced nature of filming, which often took place during real races.
âYou had to work as a team,â she said. âSometimes we literally had one take for certain shots. Youâd see on the call sheet: eight minutes to get this one thing, because we were shooting alongside the races.â
Why Scenes Were Cut

Director Joseph Kosinski, who you might recognize from âTop Gun: Maverick,â explained the decision in an interview with People, saying that editing out characters is a natural part of the filmmaking process.
âIt happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use,â Kosinski said. âThere were two or three storylines that ultimately didnât make it into the final cut.â
Despite her scenes being cut, Kosinski had nothing but praise for the actress.
âSimone, sheâs an incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer, and I would love to work with her again,â he said.
Whatâs Next for Simone Ashley?
While âF1â may not have showcased her fully, Ashley has plenty of momentum behind her career. She joined âBridgertonâ in Season 2 as Kate Sharma, later reprising the role in the third season. She also played Indira, Arielâs sister, in Disneyâs live-action âThe Little Mermaid.â
To add even more to her successful resume, the “Sex Education” actress is also currently working on her debut album. Sheâs stepping into the music world with the same creative energy thatâs defined her acting career. We have no doubt that sheâll only do great things from here on out!Â
“F1,” the movie, is set to hit theaters on June 27th.
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