Confirmed – Simone Ashley Cut from F1 After Promoting It for Months

Simone Ashley’s F1 journey included filming scenes, attending Grand Prix events, and promoting the project in interviews. Now, just days before its release, she has been quietly cut from the film. Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed to People that Ashley’s role didn’t make the final edit, despite being announced as part of the cast nearly a year ago.

In July 2024, fans celebrated Ashley’s casting as a step forward for diversity in a genre long dominated by white male leads. But that excitement has curdled into frustration as her appearance in F1 amounts to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment—no dialogue, no arc, no explanation. Kosinski, who also directed Top Gun: Maverick, called the decision routine and praised Ashley as “incredible,” saying he hopes to work with her again. But to many, the praise feels hollow. Ashley spent months promoting a film that ultimately erased her.

Earlier reports had already noted growing fan concern that Ashley’s role had been reduced to a cameo, based on early screenings. The confirmation comes just six weeks after Ashley continued to promote F1, suggesting she was not informed of the cut in time to step back from marketing the film.

Directors Keep Saying It Happens, But It Keeps Happening to the Same People

Kosinski framed the decision as part of the normal editing process, saying that two or three storylines didn’t make the final cut. But the reality is not as neutral as he suggests. Ashley is the only confirmed cast member whose character was removed entirely. She also happens to be one of the few women of color in the film.

It’s not the first time Kosinski has cut a prominent actor of color from a high-profile project. Actor Manny Jacinto previously revealed that his scenes were removed from Top Gun: Maverick after extensive training and filming. In both cases, the actors were used to generate buzz, only to have their work disappear by the time the film reached theaters.

Ashley’s case fits into a broader pattern. Actors of color are regularly featured in trailers and promo material only to be sidelined in final edits. They’re cast for optics, omitted from impact. And when fans ask why, directors offer vague answers about time constraints, pacing, or creative direction. The message sent, intentionally or not, is that representation is optional.

Ashley has over 4 million Instagram followers and global name recognition. None of that protected her role. Maya Hawke recently said that social media metrics often decide who gets cast. But even visibility and popularity offer little security when the structure itself doesn’t value your presence.

Related | Maya Hawke Says Instagram Follows Get You Cast. What Does That Mean for POC Actors?

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Praise Without Protection Is Just Public Relations

Ashley called her experience filming F1 “crazy” and “live,” comparing it to theater. She spoke about tight timelines and adrenaline-filled moments. At no point did she suggest her role would be removed. Her words reflect the commitment she brought to the set. The decision to cut her role after all that work is a decision to devalue that commitment.

Kosinski’s compliments ring empty when they follow a cut that strips her of narrative importance. Saying she’s talented doesn’t undo the damage. Wanting to work with her again doesn’t excuse the fact that she was good enough to promote the movie, but not good enough to remain in it.

The same fans who celebrated her casting are now left wondering why it keeps happening. Why are actors of color so easily removed after being held up as examples of progress? Why is inclusion still treated as a PR tool rather than a creative priority?

Simone Ashley hasn’t publicly commented on her F1 cut. But fans are already doing what the industry won’t—acknowledging the impact and calling out the pattern. The erasure is visible. And no amount of flattery from the director can make it go unseen.