The second trailer for Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated Formula 1 or F1 movie has just dropped, giving fans a more comprehensive look at what promises to be one of summer 2025’s biggest blockbusters. Directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, this racing drama combines stunning visuals with what appears to be a compelling character-driven story.
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Key Takeaways from the New F1 Movie Trailer 2
The Story Takes Shape
The trailer reveals more details about Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a once-promising F1 driver from the 1990s whose career was derailed by a devastating accident. Thirty years later, he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), who now owns the struggling APXGP team and convinces Hayes to return to Formula 1.
Hayes is paired with hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), creating immediate tension. “I think it’s really wonderful that Apex are giving second chances to the elderly,” Pearce quips during what appears to be a press conference, to which Hayes later responds, “You’re making a mistake, thinking that I’m just gonna be some grateful kid who’ll bend a knee to an old-timer”.
Authentic Racing Action
The trailer showcases the film’s commitment to authenticity, with footage captured during actual Grand Prix weekends from the past two seasons. This approach mirrors Kosinski’s work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” placing cameras inside Formula 1 cars to create an immersive experience.
The racing sequences look spectacular, with the trailer ending with Hayes expertly maneuvering down a straightaway at breathtaking speeds. However, the film doesn’t shy away from the dangers of the sport, with several crash scenes including what appears to be an airborne accident reminiscent of Mark Webber’s 2010 Valencia crash.
Character Dynamics and Drama
Kerry Condon plays Kate McKenna, the team’s race engineer who delivers one of the trailer’s most impactful lines: “We all lose our jobs if you can’t pull off a miracle”. The trailer emphasizes the theme of teamwork, with McKenna telling Hayes that his lone wolf approach won’t work in modern F1.
The relationship between Hayes and Pearce appears to be central to the film, with their rivalry extending beyond the track. Their dynamic seems to evolve throughout the story, suggesting a mentor-mentee relationship that’s anything but smooth.
Behind the Scenes
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton serves as a producer on the film and has helped Pitt and Idris learn how to drive and look the part of F1 stars. The movie was filmed at several actual Grand Prix weekends, with real F1 drivers appearing in the background of some shots.
The film’s rumoured budget is around $300 million, though Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have disputed this figure. Regardless, it represents a significant investment in an original concept at a time when studios typically favor established franchises.
What Sets This Film Apart
Unlike previous racing films like “Driven,” which many commenters have compared it to, “F1” appears to benefit from unprecedented access to the actual sport. The involvement of Formula 1 itself and filming during real race weekends should provide a level of authenticity rarely seen in racing movies.
The trailer suggests the film will balance high-octane racing action with emotional character arcs, exploring themes of redemption, teamwork, and the psychological toll of competing at the highest levels of motorsport.
“F1” races into theatres on June 27, 2025, with the international release beginning June 25, 2025.
