Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. “F1” (2025), directed by Joseph Kosinski, emphasizes realistic visuals. The film was shot on real Grand Prix circuits, using actual cars, to deliver an authentic racing experience.

Before diving deeper, let’s review the basics of F1 for those new to the sport.

Here’s a concise overview of F1 essentials for new viewers.

The “F” in F1 stands for “Formula Car,” which is a racing car built to very specific technical rules. Formula Cars are uniquely designed for racing only, with an open cockpit (where the driver sits), exposed wheels, and space for just one driver. In a scene of the film, the protagonist, Sonny, was not racing in an F1 car, but in the “Daytona 24 Hours Race.” The Daytona 24 Hours Race is one of the “Three Great Endurance Races of the World,” a massive event with such prestige that it is sponsored by Rolex.

Formula 1

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The history of Formula 1 (F1) dates back a long way, with the first F1 World Championship held at Silverstone, England, in 1950. Today, Formula 1 (F1) races are managed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Each year, approximately 20–24 Formula 1 (F1) races take place, with qualifying rounds held on Fridays and Saturdays, and the main race on Sundays. Points are given to the top ten finishers, and teams compete all season for the highest total. Races occur throughout roughly half the year.

Formula 1

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Two racers from each team compete. In the movie, there was a scene where Sony, who was a lap behind, deliberately blocked the leading car to help Joshua catch up. Watching this, I felt it was “unfair,” but I think this is also part of the competitive nature of F1, where strategic fighting is allowed.

Additionally, F1 is a sport that tests overall capability, which is why there are awards such as the “Drivers’ Championship” for drivers and the “Constructors’ Championship” for teams.

Having covered the structure and basics, let’s turn to the key strategic element of racing: tire strategy.

Nowadays, with the increasing speed of machines, the importance of tire performance has become more significant.

F1 races use hard (white), medium (yellow), and soft (red) tire compounds. Each affects speed and durability. The film depicted hard, soft, and rain tires for wet conditions.

• Soft tires (red): Made from a softer rubber compound, these tires grip the track surface more effectively, which allows for higher speeds and improved traction. However, because they are soft, they wear down quickly and can’t be used for as many laps. They are often described as “fast but fragile.”
• Hard tire (white): These tires utilize a harder rubber, resulting in lower grip compared to soft tires, but offer significantly greater durability. They can be used for a longer portion of the race before wearing out.
• Rain tires: These special tires feature grooves that help push water away from the rubber, allowing the tire to maintain contact with the road even in wet conditions. This design prevents the car from sliding on wet surfaces during racing.

In the movie, when tire temperature increases, friction with the track also increases, boosting grip and allowing cars to drive faster without losing control. This is why drivers warm up their cars before the start—to warm up the tires for better grip. In some races, Sony delayed his start to keep his tires warmer for improved performance.

During F1 racIn F1 races, each team must make at least one pit stop to change to a different type of tire compound than the one they started with. This rule requires teams to use a minimum of two different tire compounds during a race. As shown in the film, teams often have to decide between hard and soft tires, making these choices a key part of their race strategy. On Saturdays, teams use practice sessions to evaluate tires and decide which to use for qualifying, saving some for the main race. Where and when to make tire changes is key, making tire strategy a crucial part of racing success.

The amazing specs of F1 cars!

In the movie, F1 is depicted as a competition where machines reach speeds over 370 km/h and have engines with 1,000 horsepower. Ordinary highway speed limits are far lower. F1 stands as the pinnacle of speed and engineering.

🏎 Types of motorsports and their maximum speeds (as of 2025)

There are various other types of motor sports, but we have selected those that take place on roads.

Driving at this incredible speed, drivers experience gravitational forces of up to approximately 6G. Driving while experiencing forces six times greater than gravity is a competition that requires unimaginable physical and mental strength.

High-tech gimmicks

One interesting point that appeared in the movie was a gimmick called “DRS.” This is short for “Drag Reduction System,” a device that reduces air resistance on straights and temporarily increases speed to facilitate overtaking.

The rear wing of an F1 car is typically angled downward to produce “downforce”—the force that presses the car onto the track, helping the tires grip the road. When DRS is used, a flap on the wing opens and becomes flatter. This reduces both downforce and air resistance, allowing the car to reach a higher speed on straight portions of the track. However, S is not available for use at all times. Its use is permitted under FIA regulations, but it is prohibited immediately after the start of the race or in rainy conditions. Additionally, it is limited to use in a straight section known as the “DRS zone” and is only available when the distance to the preceding car is within one second, making it a true trump card for overtaking.

Strategic elements that color the race: Safety cars and red flags

Safety cars are deployed when on-track incidents or weather threaten safety. All cars follow the safety car in formation and cannot overtake, though laps continue and pit stops become opportunities.

The “red flag” is another crucial element in racing. It is deployed immediately to halt the race in cases of severe crashes, vehicle fires, or damage to course barriers—situations posing significant danger. All cars return to the pit lane and remain there.

During red flag interruptions, minor repairs and tire changes are allowed, but major changes aren’t. Strategy during these times can change the race outcome.

A red flag restart can lead to dramatic comebacks. In the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, for example, a red flag was waved on lap 9, and Max Verstappen, who had changed his tires to new ones in the pits, reclaimed first place on lap 12. For fans, the red flag is a thrilling, dramatic moment where anything can happen.

2023 Australian Grand Prix highlights: Safety Cars, red flag and high drama Down Under as Verstappen wins in Australia | Formula 1®

Max Verstappen’s victory in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix was far from straightforward… Watch the highlights here.

F1 prioritizes safety above all else, so even if accidents cause time differences to narrow, this is accepted as part of the drama of the competition.

F1 is truly a strategic battle and a team battle, and it is a competition to determine “the fastest in the world.”

F1 cooperated fully, filming behind the scenes to support the realism!

This film was produced with the full cooperation of F1. Filming took place during actual F1 race weekends. The scenes on the podium and the spectators shown during the race are not CG. They are real people who came to watch the race. A garage was also prepared exclusively for the film crew.

Camera work and sound that bring out the overwhelming realism of F1

Footage from the driver’s perspective and cameras mounted on the car body enhance the realism for viewers, providing an immersive experience similar to watching in-car footage online.

This film presents dynamic racing sequences. These scenes let you witness the speed and G-force of an F1 car up close—a feeling captured vividly on screen.

This film was also produced by the team behind “Top Gun: Maverick.” They further developed camera technology originally designed for fighter jets in that film. The team adopted Apple’s system, which features smaller, lighter cameras tailored for F1 race cars. This made the close-up scenes possible. Shots alternate between views of the driver from the front and close-ups of the race car as it approaches. This effectively conveys the driver’s sense of immersion to the viewer.

The sound of the F1 car engines reverberates directly, overwhelming you with its sound pressure. Through the cinema’s sound system, you can literally feel the vibrations of the engines in the air. I felt that this sound effect further enhanced the movie’s entertainment value.

A human drama depicting dreams that never die and the rebirth of a team

“F1” follows Sony as he returns to racing to rediscover what matters to him. The core appeal lies in the human drama that emerges from his motivation, his team’s challenges, and his relationship with Joshua.

A team in need of regeneration and the challenge of veterans

Sony’s team faces internal issues: rumors of a sale, a self-centered young driver, a skilled mechanic whose machines aren’t performing well, and a pit crew lacking confidence. The team seems united, but they are fragmented and risk-averse.

Witnessing this, Sony leads the team through reform and personally evolves by adopting a more modern approach, incorporating simulations, and demonstrating flexibility in response to F1’s demands.

The harsh journey of young F1 driver Joshua

As an older, stubborn figure, Sony contrasts with young Joshua. Amid sale rumors, Joshua had to pose for social media—something he disliked—to stay in F1, showing the sacrifices required to survive in the sport.

The path to F1 is grueling, often requiring drivers to bear tens of millions of yen in expenses to advance. This makes development programs, investors, and family support critical. Some receive full parental backing or come from racing families, but all reach F1 through extraordinary effort and support.

Intergenerational learning and empathy

This film illustrates the importance of leadership and team building in the business world through the portrayal of veteran Sonny offering advice to younger colleagues and helping them grow. It likely resonates deeply with working professionals and business leaders as well.

However, what this film conveys is the message that it is not only charismatic individuals who are strong. Everyone needs the support of others, and ultimately, we all become indispensable to one another. In the first race, everyone had their own opinions, and the team was fragmented. In the final race, they collaborated to devise ideas that ultimately led to victory. The team was truly united.

The film portrays the persistence of racers who pursue their ambitions, rekindling their motivation. It also depicts how new goals continually arise beyond previous achievements. This is a film that leaves a lasting impression.

Summary: You are the one holding the steering wheel of your life.

What you started out doing because you loved it may eventually become something you do out of necessity, or something you do because you feel you have to, or something you pretend to do. It may become about money, or giving in to temptation, or feeling like your life is being controlled by the system.

But is that really the case? Perhaps what has driven us all along is the pure desire to keep acting for the sake of those “feel-good moments.”

No matter how times change, this film encourages viewers to take control of their own lives and move forward with renewed resolve.