F1: The Movie - What Can We Expect?
What Can Audiences Expect From Joseph Kosinski's New Racing Action?
A few months back now,
and I ranked our top 5 most anticipated films of 2025 - and on my list was the new hit racing film from Joseph Kosinski, F1. There are plenty of reasons I talked about in the video for why I was so excited for this new film centred around the pinnacle of motorsport, which you can check out here, but now that we’ve got a brand new trailer ahead of its release this June, we’ve been given a much clearer idea of what this film is shaping up to be. Not just narratively, but visually too, especially when it comes to the racing sequences and set pieces. So, what can audiences really expect from this latest addition to the world of racing films?1) Captivating Racing Sequences
With Joseph Kosinski in the director’s chair, best known for bringing Top Gun: Maverick to life, expectations were sky-high for the racing set pieces in F1. Audiences were hoping for a high-octane experience that would drop them right into the cockpit and offer a proper look into the world of Formula 1, including a better understanding of the racing terminology and culture. From the trailer alone, it is clear the visuals during the racing scenes are going to be absolutely stunning.
Even from the few shots we’ve seen so far, it’s clear that Joseph Kosinski has put real thought into how to immerse the audience in the racing experience - making it feel as though you’re right there in the car with the drivers. The point-of-view shots are strikingly similar to what you’d see during an actual F1 broadcast, which I think goes a long way in showing just how committed the film is to capturing the authenticity of the sport. It looks like we’re going to be right in the thick of the action, up close with the overtaking, undercutting and overcutting, giving audiences a chance not only to learn what these terms mean, but to actually see how they play out on track. When it comes to bringing authentic racing to the big screen, it really does seem like Kosinski and lead cinematographer Claudio Miranda have absolutely smashed it out of the park.
2) A Classic Enemies-to-Friends Bond
The narrative of F1 appears to be following a familiar formula we often see in sports films these days, and one that fans of the F1 video games will likely recognise from the story mode introduced to the game a few years back. It centres around a washed-up driver, on the verge of retirement, who finds himself racing for a struggling team desperate for results in what is maybe, his last shot. Alongside him is a hot-shot new teammate who’s quickly become the talk of the paddock, and naturally, the two must find a way to work together. It’s a well-worn path, but if done right, it can still deliver some great drama, and fans seemed to love how it was executed in the games.
The contrasting dynamic between these two characters looks tailor-made to spark conflict, rivalry, and plenty of tension. But, as with most narratives that follow this kind of arc, it seems likely the story will lean towards a more optimistic ending, where our two leads eventually set aside their differences and learn to work together. That said, with Brad Pitt and Damson Idris stepping into these roles, it’s a genuinely exciting setup. Their on-screen chemistry and performances could really elevate what might otherwise be a familiar storyline.
3) Shining a Positive Light on F1…and Motorsport
If there’s one thing a sports movie is guaranteed to do, it’s present the sport in a positive light. As a motorsport fan, I love seeing more people get into racing and discovering a passion for it, especially if they’ve never given F1 a proper watch before. The timing of this film’s release couldn’t be better, landing just ahead of the British Grand Prix and the summer break. It’s a smart move, giving new fans something to dive into even when there’s no action happening on track.
It looks like this film is set to explore the technical side of F1 in a really compelling way. Even from the first two trailers, we’ve already seen glimpses of engineering briefings, testing sessions, pit stops, race strategies and more: all aspects of the sport that might feel overwhelming for someone new to F1. But if you are a newcomer, this could be the perfect gateway to learning about the sport through a more cinematic lens. The film also doesn’t appear to shy away from the physical and mental vulnerabilities that drivers face, which should help deliver a more grounded and realistic portrayal of a sport that’s as demanding on the body as it is on the mind, and with Sir Lewis Hamilton helping to produce the movie, he has been able to provide realistic thoughts and opinions about the sport to help elevate this movie even further.
4) Driver Cameos!
Of course, with a film of this scale, and one that was shot on real circuits during actual race weekends throughout last year’s F1 season, audiences can definitely expect a host of cameos from real-life figures around the paddock, including some of the official F1 drivers themselves. So get ready to spot some familiar faces as your favourites are heading to the big screen this summer!
F1: The Movie comes out June 27th, so don’t miss out!
Well, another sports film. Usually, the film is more interesting than the sport, itself. If we are still here decades from now, the Formula 1, will either be extinct or totally different than it is today. I thought the trailer was visually and verbally challenging. To me it seemed a lot longer than 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Maybe for gamers and Formula 1 fans it will pass the test, but I have no interest in seeing the film, despite your positive feelings for it.