Latest news with #F125
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
F1 25 Review: Play as Brad Pitt's Sonny Hayes in Video Game
Codemasters' F1 series is one of video gaming's most consistent franchises as its delivered thrilling simulation racing for well over a decade at this point. This year's release features some great under the hood upgrades graphically, additional options to the career mode, and a great crossover with the F1 movie. It all gels to create a great racing game that is filled with modes and features to keep Formula One fans busy. The core racing has always been the series' strong suit and it remains as such this year. There's a particular buzz that comes with overtaking an opponent around a turn, carefully navigating the space between success and a crash. The sense of speed is as good as ever, with some visual upgrades making the cars look better than ever as you .(hopefully) speed past them. With plenty of difficulty settings and sliders, you can make sure you're having fulfilling action on the track across the game's many modes. One of the coolest additions to F1 25 is the game's implementation of the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. First off, both the APXGP and its drivers (Pitt and Damson Idris' characters) are available in both Driver Career and My Team modes. Additionally, there are scenarios from the film that players can relive. Currently, only one is available (more will be coming on June 30 once the film is out), where you play as Pitt's Sonny Hayes and try to match the time of Idris' Joshua Pearce, but it's presented really well as it blends movie footage to set it up before transitioning into the racing gameplay. I always love challenge modes in sports games, and I can't wait to do the rest of the challenges next month. If you enjoy the taste of off-track drama in the F1 movie mode, then you'll be glad to know that the story-based Braking Point mode returns for a third time. It picks up from last year's story — although it introduces itself well, so you won't be totally lost if you're new — and you'll have the option to race as either Callie Mayer or Aiden Jackson. I've always gotten a kick out of the mode (and wish more sports games would have narrative modes), and what's nice about this year's addition is that after you've finished the story, you can take the team into Career Mode to continue it if you wish. As a yearly release, the game is naturally iterative (as it should be with such a strong base), but there are a number of other additions. New advancements in F1 25 include five rebuilt tracks (Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola) that look fantastic. You can also race around three tracks in reverse layouts, as well, so there's more variety than ever before. A lot of other nice touches, such as better facial animations and a much better decal editor, make it a better visual spectacle both on the track and during cutscenes as well. Codemasters has done it yet again as F1 25 is a fantastic offering with plenty of modes and gripping racing. I can't wait to see more of the F1 movie implementation as I love what's already in the game, and Braking Point is yet again a solid story mode. You can never go wrong with the F1 games, and F1 25 builds on the series' strong past to provide the best one yet. As ComingSoon's review policy explains, a score of 8.5 equates to 'Great.' While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact. Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our F1 25 review. The post F1 25 Review: Play as Brad Pitt's Sonny Hayes in Video Game appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Story Is Yours - Take the Lead in F1® 25, Available Worldwide Today
Race Your Way with the Return of Braking Point, Revamped My Team, and F1® THE MOVIE Scenarios Featuring Fictional Team APXGP Watch F1® 25 Iconic Edition Cover Star Lewis Hamilton and Football Superstar, Kylian Mbappé, Test Their Speed as the Iconic Rivals Go Head-to-Head HERE REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) invites players to race their way with F1® 25, an official game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™, available today on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Through a variety of gameplay features, players can take the lead as team owner in My Team 2.0, and live the emotional highs and lows of competing at the front of the grid in the return of fan-favourite story mode, Braking Point. Players can also take to the track as fictional team APXGP from Apple Original Films' F1® THE MOVIE with a preview chapter, with additional chapter scenarios (sold separately) available post-launch beginning June 30th.* As part of the launch day celebrations, F1® 25 Iconic Edition cover star Lewis Hamilton challenged three-time EA SPORTS cover star Kylian Mbappé to a thrilling sprint race ahead of the FORMULA 1 ARAMCO GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2025. Watch the action unfold HERE. "F1 25 delivers more ways for players to tell their F1 story, from battling for the World Championship to securing a front row seat and interacting with the racing movie of the summer," said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. "With story-driven features, Braking Point and F1® THE MOVIE, taking the lead in My Team and Driver Career, or jumping into F1 World with a multitude of bite-sized challenges, customisation enhancements, multiplayer and cooperative gameplay, F1 25 is all-out, unabashed action for every racing fan." Players will experience the third instalment of fan-favourite story mode, Braking Point. Set across two seasons, the returning cast encounter a dramatic event that threatens to throw a title-contending season into chaos. For the first time, players encounter more variety through different driver perspectives, giving the mode a new dimension and alternate endings to the story. Additionally, Konnersport is now available to choose in My Team with a further option to become the 11th team on the grid in Driver Career. F1® 25 gets players closer to the real world than ever before with a series of innovations both on and off the track. Players who want to call the shots can jump into My Team 2.0 and take on the role of team owner. Alongside running the entire operations from the Team HQ, focusing on Engineering, Personnel, and Corporate, players manage the fate of both drivers and can switch between the two for race weekends. Five circuits - Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola - join Silverstone as those that have all been digitally scanned during race weekends. Through millions of data points, LIDAR technology delivers pinpoint accuracy from asphalt surface details and kerb heights to the positioning of broadcast towers, barriers, trees, and foliage. These advancements, in conjunction with changes to handling, tested pre-launch by esports drivers and the F1® community, ensure players feel every bump and elevation change, just like the real F1® drivers. F1® 25 delivers greater customisation through the new Decal Editor. Driver numbers receive a visual overhaul with new fonts and colours. Players can bring their personalities to life with the freedom to move, rotate, and resize designs with variants to unlock throughout the game and use across My Team and F1® World. Players can also use the newly introduced sponsor liveries built around the visual identity of the fictional brands in the game, alongside new driver numbers which receive a visual overhaul with new customisable fonts and colours, to create the most authentic-looking vehicle designs the franchise has ever delivered. EA Play** members get a 5-hour Trial, score a monthly 5000 XP boost, and can save 10% on EA digital purchases, including PitCoin, full game, and DLC. More details on EA Play. F1® 25 Iconic Edition owners receive a number of perks linked to F1® THE MOVIE producer Lewis Hamilton, F3™ Driver Icons Pack, 18,000 Pitcoin and much more. F1® THE MOVIE chapter scenarios are available to F1® 25 Standard Edition players through the purchase of the DLC pack, available now for purchase and playable in-game beginning June 30. To keep up-to-date with the latest F1® game news and information, visit the Formula 1® game website and follow its social channels. PRESS ASSETS ARE AVAILABLE AT *Chapter Scenarios playable beginning June 30, 2025. Requires F1® 25 (sold separately), EA account, internet connection & all game updates. **Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See for details. About Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. In fiscal year 2025, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ College Football, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and EA SPORTS F1®. More information about EA is available at EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. F1® 25 Game - an official product of the FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. © 2025 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, the EA SPORTS logo, and Codemasters are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. The F2 FIA FORMULA 2 CHAMPIONSHIP logo, FIA FORMULA 2 CHAMPIONSHIP, FIA FORMULA 2, FORMULA 2, F2 and related marks are trademarks of the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile and used exclusively under license. All rights reserved. About F1® THE MOVIE Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures Present A Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Joseph Kosinski Film, F1® THE MOVIE, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX® nationwide on June 27, 2025 and internationally beginning 25 June 2025. Category: EA Sports View source version on Contacts Natalia LombardiGlobal Public Relations Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
This Story Is Yours - Take the Lead in F1 ® 25, Available Worldwide Today
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) invites players to race their way with F1 ® 25, an official game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™, available today on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Through a variety of gameplay features, players can take the lead as team owner in My Team 2.0, and live the emotional highs and lows of competing at the front of the grid in the return of fan-favourite story mode, Braking Point. Players can also take to the track as fictional team APXGP from Apple Original Films' F1 ® THE MOVIE with a preview chapter, with additional chapter scenarios (sold separately) available post-launch beginning June 30th.* As part of the launch day celebrations, F1 ® 25 Iconic Edition cover star Lewis Hamilton challenged three-time EA SPORTS cover star Kylian Mbappé to a thrilling sprint race ahead of the FORMULA 1 ARAMCO GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2025. Watch the action unfold HERE. "F1 25 delivers more ways for players to tell their F1 story, from battling for the World Championship to securing a front row seat and interacting with the racing movie of the summer" Share 'F1 25 delivers more ways for players to tell their F1 story, from battling for the World Championship to securing a front row seat and interacting with the racing movie of the summer,' said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. 'With story-driven features, Braking Point and F1 ® THE MOVIE, taking the lead in My Team and Driver Career, or jumping into F1 World with a multitude of bite-sized challenges, customisation enhancements, multiplayer and cooperative gameplay, F1 25 is all-out, unabashed action for every racing fan.' Players will experience the third instalment of fan-favourite story mode, Braking Point. Set across two seasons, the returning cast encounter a dramatic event that threatens to throw a title-contending season into chaos. For the first time, players encounter more variety through different driver perspectives, giving the mode a new dimension and alternate endings to the story. Additionally, Konnersport is now available to choose in My Team with a further option to become the 11th team on the grid in Driver Career. F1 ® 25 gets players closer to the real world than ever before with a series of innovations both on and off the track. Players who want to call the shots can jump into My Team 2.0 and take on the role of team owner. Alongside running the entire operations from the Team HQ, focusing on Engineering, Personnel, and Corporate, players manage the fate of both drivers and can switch between the two for race weekends. Five circuits - Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola - join Silverstone as those that have all been digitally scanned during race weekends. Through millions of data points, LIDAR technology delivers pinpoint accuracy from asphalt surface details and kerb heights to the positioning of broadcast towers, barriers, trees, and foliage. These advancements, in conjunction with changes to handling, tested pre-launch by esports drivers and the F1 ® community, ensure players feel every bump and elevation change, just like the real F1 ® drivers. F1 ® 25 delivers greater customisation through the new Decal Editor. Driver numbers receive a visual overhaul with new fonts and colours. Players can bring their personalities to life with the freedom to move, rotate, and resize designs with variants to unlock throughout the game and use across My Team and F1 ® World. Players can also use the newly introduced sponsor liveries built around the visual identity of the fictional brands in the game, alongside new driver numbers which receive a visual overhaul with new customisable fonts and colours, to create the most authentic-looking vehicle designs the franchise has ever delivered. EA Play** members get a 5-hour Trial, score a monthly 5000 XP boost, and can save 10% on EA digital purchases, including PitCoin, full game, and DLC. More details on EA Play. F1 ® 25 Iconic Edition owners receive a number of perks linked to F1 ® THE MOVIE producer Lewis Hamilton, F3™ Driver Icons Pack, 18,000 Pitcoin and much more. F1 ® THE MOVIE chapter scenarios are available to F1 ® 25 Standard Edition players through the purchase of the DLC pack, available now for purchase and playable in-game beginning June 30. To keep up-to-date with the latest F1 ® game news and information, visit the Formula 1® game website and follow its social channels. *Chapter Scenarios playable beginning June 30, 2025. Requires F1® 25 (sold separately), EA account, internet connection & all game updates. **Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See for details. About Electronic Arts Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. In fiscal year 2025, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ College Football, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and EA SPORTS F1®. More information about EA is available at EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. F1® 25 Game - an official product of the FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. © 2025 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, the EA SPORTS logo, and Codemasters are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. The F2 FIA FORMULA 2 CHAMPIONSHIP logo, FIA FORMULA 2 CHAMPIONSHIP, FIA FORMULA 2, FORMULA 2, F2 and related marks are trademarks of the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile and used exclusively under license. All rights reserved. About F1 ® THE MOVIE Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures Present A Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Joseph Kosinski Film, F1 ® THE MOVIE, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres and IMAX ® nationwide on June 27, 2025 and internationally beginning 25 June 2025.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Just magic' – One of F1's most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever
CHARLES LECLERC and Lewis Hamilton won arguably the two most iconic Formula One races of the 2024 season. Charles Leclerc made history as he won his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix with "tears" in his eyes, while Hamilton defied the odds to take the chequered flag at the British Grand Prix in his final home race with Mercedes. 3 Charles Leclerc won an emotional 2024 Monaco Grand Prix Credit: Rex 3 Lewis Hamilton then made history at the British Grand Prix later on Credit: Reuters 3 Both races were made iconic by the man behind the microphone for F1TV and Channel 4, Alex Jacques Credit: X @C4F1 Both races have already gone down in the annals of F1 history for their huge significance in the modern era of the sport. But for many fans, that experience was elevated to even greater heights by the man behind the microphone, Alex Jacques. Jacques is the lead commentator of F1TV and Channel 4, and the voice of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, while he has also featured in the Netflix series Drive To Survive. For many fans, his voice has become synonymous with formula racing, given he also spent a decade as the commentator of F2 before leaving the role to spend more time with family at the start of this year. READ MORE IN F1 HORN SIGNALLED Ferrari 'want Red Bull chief Horner to join and become Hamilton's boss' Following his work at both Monaco and Silverstone last year, fans showed their love by featuring him in numerous social media clips, often edited with emotive background music, of the races. And Jacques has not been blind to the outpouring of love fans have given him for his work. Speaking exclusively to SunSport at a launch event of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, Jacques explained his thought process in the moment and gave his thoughts on the fan reaction to it. He said: "You're trying to tell their stories and both of those examples that you used, so for Charles Leclerc, my overarching, and it links back to the previous question, so it's amazing to see all of those edits. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "As a commentator, you want to do justice to the moment. If you're watching the Monaco GP and you're watching Charles Leclerc, you might be an F1 fan and you might not know that backstory. "That's my job as the commentator, to tell you that this guy from Monaco, oh, it's just a rich kid winning the Monaco GP. Nothing of the sort. This guy's been through heartbreak on multiple occasions and it's his life's purpose to win that race. Lewis Hamilton sent 'flying' after hitting huge bump as Ferrari endure Monaco Grand Prix nightmare "On that last lap, I tried to distil quite a complex story into quite a short amount of time. He's such a well-supported driver that that lap has, as you say, been subject to so many edits on social media." He continued: "With Lewis Hamilton, this is a driver that we got used to winning week in, week out. Suddenly, goes through a winning drought. "That was one of the best Grand Prix of all time in the entire history of the 75 years. To see him come out on top when it could have been five drivers. "So rarely do you get a Grand Prix where five drivers could win it. For him to come out on top, top three was three British drivers at the British GP. He ends his winless drought. "If you can't do justice to those moments, that's when you have to step forward as a commentator and hopefully provide the words that match the pictures. Both of those occasions were just magic Formula One moments." Jacques' infectious love for motorsport means it was "tough" for him to step away from working on F2. What was is like working on the EA Sports F1 25 game? Alex Jacques: "It's a really long time recording the commentary for the game but it's a wonderful experience because these are the games that I played growing up, right? So maybe it wasn't the case with commentators from a previous generation but for me I used to love the F1 game coming out and then to be part of it and to get to record the lines. "So I'm very happy to spend a week of my life in a very dark room effectively reading and in fifth place and in sixth place and so on and so forth. "You also get to do loads of creative stuff as well and they'll bring in other people for you to commentate with so it's a long process but when you hear your own commentary in the game it's well worth it. Anything in particular for fans to look out for? "Yeah, there's new tracks all the time, there's new storylines all the time. One of the cool things that we got to do this year is they were introducing the cars and the characters from the F1 movie. so that's a part of the game as well and it was great to be able to, it's very weird when you're finding yourself talking about Brad Pitt's character in the game. but yeah and a lot of fun. "There's always something new, they're always coming up with new things for the game as well. The accuracy of the tracks this year is ridiculously good and you're like, hold on, I've been there, there is a hot dog stand at that point, how have they got that in the game? So yeah, loads of fun stuff like that to enjoy." However, "he has no complaints" about stepping back to spend more time with his family after becoming a father for the first time just before this season's Imola Grand Prix, although he jokes it has led to his favourite drink being a "strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am". He said: "It's been a strange one because I got the job in F2 first and then got opportunities in F1. F2 has always felt a little bit like the home team, if you like. "F1 is the big international call-up, if you want to put it in a football metaphor. It was tough saying goodbye because very rarely you have to leave that paddock behind. "The nice thing about whether you're telling the story of George Russell or Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc, these are all drivers that I've known from when they were very young because of commentating on F3 and F2 and watching their journey all the way through. But eventually it's time. "Eventually, you just cannot commentate on everything as much as I would love to. It was sad to say goodbye, but I have the best job in the world, so I have no complaints. "I think to get 10 years commentating on any championship in any sport is a privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed it... Thoughts on 2026 possibly being last year at Imola? Alex Jacques: "I'm not entirely sure what the situation is for Imola, but I will say that it is a historic place to go racing. "It's very, very fortunate. Anytime you're covering motor racing in Italy, you're having a great week of your life. Right? "That's the nature of it. It's obviously the circuit closest to Ferrari's factory, and also you've got the Racing Bulls factory close around there. "But it's the nature of gravel traps, narrow circuit, tight walls, thrilling undulations. Those are the things that drivers, not just at Imola, but those are the things across the calendar that the drivers respond to. "It's important to have that balance between the old school tracks that we love and to have the amazing locations that we go to around the world. "And we'll see. But I certainly adore going to that racetrack every time we do." "Eventually, my wife was like, it would be nice if we could hang out at some point rather than you travel the world all the time. "I got that F2 job when I was 25, so eventually you have to make more time for the people that support you when you're away for ages and have to do the day-to-day moments. "So, yeah, very, very fortunate to be the dad of a lovely baby girl and I have a very supportive wife and it's nice to have a bit more of a balance even though there's still a fair bit of travel involved." Despite his new responsibilities away from the track, Jacques does still make time to keep an eye on F1's feeder series and earmarked Irish racer Alex Dunne as one star to keep an eye on, even before he scored a maiden pole position at Monaco last weekend. Jacques said: "I've been impressed with Alex Dunne, Irish driver, making that step up. There are some drivers that I think you take them from a F3 car, you put them with a little bit more power, a little bit more grip, and they seem to come alive. "He seems to fall in that category. So, he's an exciting prospect. but there are loads of really, really talented drivers. You've got to be consistent. Thoughts on Ipswich Town's season? Alex Jacques: "Was there a season this year? I don't know. You skipped over. "Well, it's worth saying that we are having this chat underneath Tottenham's stadium. And the one thing I would say about Ipswich's season is that, okay, it didn't go to plan. "And I think there was an expectation around the club that we would be more competitive than we turned out to be. But we got some away days at grounds that we hadn't visited before. "We got away days at, you know, and the combination of being able, I watched Ipswich win their first Premier League game in 22 years with my dad upstairs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That's a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. "What Kieran McKenna gave Ipswich Town fans was not only amazing football in League One, in the Championship, but also when we got to the Premier League, away days and experiences that other clubs take for granted. And Ipswich hadn't had for two decades. "Hadn't had a trip to Old Trafford. That was amazing. Taking the lead there. You've got to see it as glass half full. "Okay. Lost a lot of points from winning positions this year. But hold on, last year we gained 30 points from losing positions. So you've got to take the rough with the smooth. "Did we get promoted a little bit too early? Clearly on the evidence, yeah, we probably did. But have we bought? well? "I think so. I think we've got a great squad for the Championship next year. Take nothing for granted with like, oh, bounce back immediately. You have to win so many games. "We've seen this with Burnley. Seen this with Leeds. You've got to win an awful lot of games. I think the club is a little bit exhausted. "It will catch its breath over the summer. I think when you go from League One, when Kieran McKenna took over at Ipswich Town, Ipswich Town were below Accrington Stanley in the table. "I don't think anyone could be moaning about the fact that it didn't go to plan in the Premier League. I'll take whatever timeline this is and he can stay for as long as he likes. "We need to build a statue of him for what he did. Not all seasons are going to go to plan, but I still enjoyed all the away days in the Premier League I was able to get to. "And I've got full confidence that if he's still behind the wheel next year and he hasn't been poached by a Premier League club, we'll bounce straight back. " "But ultimately, I think all the drivers that eventually make it to F1, there are defining days in F3, in F2, where you watch what they do. "Thinking about Kimi Antonelli, the new Mercedes driver, at Silverstone last year, one second a lap faster than everyone else in the field. And that includes three F1 drivers who also graduated with him. "That is the type of performance that if you put in in F2, you can make a name for yourself. And everyone's watching, everyone's watching in the F1 paddock. "So, great start for Alex Dunne, lots of talented names in that championship this year, but you need to see a standout performance, whether it be an overtaking performance through the field. Get yourself on the radar. A standout head-bind drive is the best way to do it." However, Jacques' position on the "ludicrous" three-way 2025 F1 title race is far less clear as the 36-year-old can't pick between McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris or reigning world champion Max Verstappen, but is certain it is "the best type of season" with the field being so close. He added: "I really loved it because you've got three drivers at totally different stages of their careers. You've also got Lando Norris, [who] came in as the pre-season favourite. "Can he deal with the expectation on his shoulders? And Oscar Piastri, exceeding expectations for where he is. You've got the McLaren drivers trying to win their first championships. "You've got Max trying to make history and emulate the great Michael Schumacher. And he'd only be two behind the all-time record if he gets five with a lot of his career still to go. It's a wonderful dynamic. The qualifying sessions have been so tight. "We've not had a gap between first and second. that's been over a tenth. That is ludicrous. We used to have gaps between first and second of a second back in the early 90s. F1 is ultra-competitive, we're having a great season." EA SPORTS has launched their new F1 25 game, with the iconic Edition out now and the Standard Edition launching May 30th. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. Quickfire questions: Alex Jacques Build your dream driver: Racecraft: Fernando Alonso Qualifying Pace: Charles Leclerc Talent: Max Verstappen Awareness: Lewis Hamilton all day Defence: Fernando Alonso Tyre management: Ooh, tyre management. Probably be one of the McLaren boys at the moment because they seem to have that on lock, don't they? Yeah, we'll give Lando tyre management. Quickfire round: Favourite drink: Favourite drink? Wow, I didn't expect that. Probably a strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am on the boat. Favourite food or snack during comms: You've got to have a bag of Haribo to get you through, especially if you're doing an overnight one. Guilty pleasure: Guilty pleasure. Yeah, watching Ipswich Town win this year because it's not been a regular occurrence. Favourite racetrack: Monza. Favourite car: Favourite car? Of all cars. F1 or... F1 or what? The 1998 McLaren. That's the first season I watch, so that's always my favourite F1 car. Favourite driver of all time: Favourite driver of all time? Similar answer. Mikka Hakkinen, champion the first year that he won and my childhood hero. And yeah, still get starstruck by him in the paddock. He's a lovely chap.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Just magic' – One of F1's most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever
CHARLES LECLERC and Lewis Hamilton won arguably the two most iconic Formula One races of the 2024 season. 3 Charles Leclerc won an emotional 2024 Monaco Grand Prix Credit: Rex 3 Lewis Hamilton then made history at the British Grand Prix later on Credit: Reuters 3 Both races were made iconic by the man behind the microphone for F1TV and Channel 4, Alex Jacques Credit: X @C4F1 Both races have already gone down in the annals of F1 history for their huge significance in the modern era of the sport. But for many fans, that experience was elevated to even greater heights by the man behind the microphone, Alex Jacques. Jacques is the lead commentator of F1TV and Channel 4, and the voice of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, while he has also featured in the Netflix series Drive To Survive. For many fans, his voice has become synonymous with formula racing, given he also spent a decade as the commentator of F2 before leaving the role to spend more time with family at the start of this year. READ MORE IN F1 Following his work at both Monaco and Silverstone last year, fans showed their love by featuring him in numerous social media clips, often edited with emotive background music, of the races. And Jacques has not been blind to the outpouring of love fans have given him for his work. Speaking exclusively to SunSport at a launch event of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, Jacques explained his thought process in the moment and gave his thoughts on the fan reaction to it. He said: "You're trying to tell their stories and both of those examples that you used, so for Charles Leclerc, my overarching, and it links back to the previous question, so it's amazing to see all of those edits. Most read in Motorsport BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "As a commentator, you want to do justice to the moment. If you're watching the Monaco GP and you're watching Charles Leclerc, you might be an F1 fan and you might not know that backstory. "That's my job as the commentator, to tell you that this guy from Monaco, oh, it's just a rich kid winning the Monaco GP. Nothing of the sort. This guy's been through heartbreak on multiple occasions and it's his life's purpose to win that race. Lewis Hamilton sent 'flying' after hitting huge bump as Ferrari endure Monaco Grand Prix nightmare "On that last lap, I tried to distil quite a complex story into quite a short amount of time. He's such a well-supported driver that that lap has, as you say, been subject to so many edits on social media." He continued: "With Lewis Hamilton, this is a driver that we got used to winning week in, week out. Suddenly, goes through a winning drought. "That was one of the best Grand Prix of all time in the entire history of the 75 years. To see him come out on top when it could have been five drivers. "So rarely do you get a Grand Prix where five drivers could win it. For him to come out on top, top three was three British drivers at the British GP. He ends his winless drought. "If you can't do justice to those moments, that's when you have to step forward as a commentator and hopefully provide the words that match the pictures. Both of those occasions were just magic Formula One moments." Jacques' infectious love for motorsport means it was "tough" for him to step away from working on F2. What was is like working on the EA Sports F1 25 game? Alex Jacques: "It's a really long time recording the commentary for the game but it's a wonderful experience because these are the games that I played growing up, right? So maybe it wasn't the case with commentators from a previous generation but for me I used to love the F1 game coming out and then to be part of it and to get to record the lines. "So I'm very happy to spend a week of my life in a very dark room effectively reading and in fifth place and in sixth place and so on and so forth. "You also get to do loads of creative stuff as well and they'll bring in other people for you to commentate with so it's a long process but when you hear your own commentary in the game it's well worth it. Anything in particular for fans to look out for? "Yeah, there's new tracks all the time, there's new storylines all the time. One of the cool things that we got to do this year is they were introducing the cars and the characters from the F1 movie. so that's a part of the game as well and it was great to be able to, it's very weird when you're finding yourself talking about Brad Pitt's character in the game. but yeah and a lot of fun. "There's always something new, they're always coming up with new things for the game as well. The accuracy of the tracks this year is ridiculously good and you're like, hold on, I've been there, there is a hot dog stand at that point, how have they got that in the game? So yeah, loads of fun stuff like that to enjoy." However, "he has no complaints" about stepping back to spend more time with his family after becoming a father for the first time just before this season's Imola Grand Prix, although he jokes it has led to his favourite drink being a "strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am". He said: "It's been a strange one because I got the job in F2 first and then got opportunities in F1. F2 has always felt a little bit like the home team, if you like. "F1 is the big international call-up, if you want to put it in a football metaphor. It was tough saying goodbye because very rarely you have to leave that paddock behind. "The nice thing about whether you're telling the story of "Eventually, you just cannot commentate on everything as much as I would love to. It was sad to say goodbye, but I have the best job in the world, so I have no complaints. "I think to get 10 years commentating on any championship in any sport is a privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed it... Thoughts on 2026 possibly being last year at Imola? Alex Jacques: "I'm not entirely sure what the situation is for Imola, but I will say that it is a historic place to go racing. "It's very, very fortunate. Anytime you're covering motor racing in Italy, you're having a great week of your life. Right? "That's the nature of it. It's obviously the circuit closest to Ferrari's factory, and also you've got the Racing Bulls factory close around there. "But it's the nature of gravel traps, narrow circuit, tight walls, thrilling undulations. Those are the things that drivers, not just at Imola, but those are the things across the calendar that the drivers respond to. "It's important to have that balance between the old school tracks that we love and to have the amazing locations that we go to around the world. "And we'll see. But I certainly adore going to that racetrack every time we do." "Eventually, my wife was like, it would be nice if we could hang out at some point rather than you travel the world all the time. "I got that F2 job when I was 25, so eventually you have to make more time for the people that support you when you're away for ages and have to do the day-to-day moments. "So, yeah, very, very fortunate to be the dad of a lovely baby girl and I have a very supportive wife and it's nice to have a bit more of a balance even though there's still a fair bit of travel involved." Despite his new responsibilities away from the track, Jacques does still make time to keep an eye on F1's feeder series and earmarked Irish racer Alex Dunne as one star to keep an eye on, even before he scored a maiden pole position at Monaco last weekend. Jacques said: "I've been impressed with Alex Dunne, Irish driver, making that step up. There are some drivers that I think you take them from a F3 car, you put them with a little bit more power, a little bit more grip, and they seem to come alive. "He seems to fall in that category. So, he's an exciting prospect. but there are loads of really, really talented drivers. You've got to be consistent. Thoughts on Ipswich Town's season? Alex Jacques: "Was there a season this year? I don't know. You skipped over. "Well, it's worth saying that we are having this chat underneath Tottenham's stadium. And the one thing I would say about Ipswich's season is that, okay, it didn't go to plan. "And I think there was an expectation around the club that we would be more competitive than we turned out to be. But we got some away days at grounds that we hadn't visited before. "We got away days at, you know, and the combination of being able, I watched Ipswich win their first Premier League game in 22 years with my dad upstairs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That's a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. "What Kieran McKenna gave Ipswich Town fans was not only amazing football in League One, in the Championship, but also when we got to the Premier League, away days and experiences that other clubs take for granted. And Ipswich hadn't had for two decades. "Hadn't had a trip to Old Trafford. That was amazing. Taking the lead there. You've got to see it as glass half full. "Okay. Lost a lot of points from winning positions this year. But hold on, last year we gained 30 points from losing positions. So you've got to take the rough with the smooth. "Did we get promoted a little bit too early? Clearly on the evidence, yeah, we probably did. But have we bought? well? "I think so. I think we've got a great squad for the Championship next year. Take nothing for granted with like, oh, bounce back immediately. You have to win so many games. "We've seen this with Burnley. Seen this with Leeds. You've got to win an awful lot of games. I think the club is a little bit exhausted. "It will catch its breath over the summer. I think when you go from League One, when Kieran McKenna took over at Ipswich Town, Ipswich Town were below Accrington Stanley in the table. "I don't think anyone could be moaning about the fact that it didn't go to plan in the Premier League. I'll take whatever timeline this is and he can stay for as long as he likes. "We need to build a statue of him for what he did. Not all seasons are going to go to plan, but I still enjoyed all the away days in the Premier League I was able to get to. "And I've got full confidence that if he's still behind the wheel next year and he hasn't been poached by a Premier League club, we'll bounce straight back. " "But ultimately, I think all the drivers that eventually make it to F1, there are defining days in F3, in F2, where you watch what they do. "Thinking about Kimi Antonelli, the new Mercedes driver, at Silverstone last year, one second a lap faster than everyone else in the field. And that includes three F1 drivers who also graduated with him. "That is the type of performance that if you put in in F2, you can make a name for yourself. And everyone's watching, everyone's watching in the F1 paddock. "So, great start for Alex Dunne, lots of talented names in that championship this year, but you need to see a standout performance, whether it be an overtaking performance through the field. Get yourself on the radar. A standout head-bind drive is the best way to do it." However, Jacques' position on the "ludicrous" three-way 2025 F1 title race is far less clear as the 36-year-old can't pick between McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris or reigning world champion He added: "I really loved it because you've got three drivers at totally different stages of their careers. You've also got Lando Norris, [who] came in as the pre-season favourite. "Can he deal with the expectation on his shoulders? And "You've got Max trying to make history and emulate the great "We've not had a gap between first and second. that's been over a tenth. That is ludicrous. We used to have gaps between first and second of a second back in the early 90s. F1 is ultra-competitive, we're having a great season." EA SPORTS has launched their new Quickfire questions: Alex Jacques Build your dream driver: Racecraft: Fernando Alonso Qualifying Pace : Charles Leclerc Talent : Max Verstappen Awareness: Lewis Hamilton all day Defence : Fernando Alonso Tyre management: Ooh, tyre management. Probably be one of the McLaren boys at the moment because they seem to have that on lock, don't they? Yeah, we'll give Lando tyre management. Quickfire round: Favourite drink : Favourite drink? Wow, I didn't expect that. Probably a strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am on the boat. Favourite food or snack during comms : You've got to have a bag of Haribo to get you through, especially if you're doing an overnight one. Guilty pleasure: Guilty pleasure. Yeah, watching Ipswich Town win this year because it's not been a regular occurrence. Favourite racetrack: Monza. Favourite car: Favourite car? Of all cars. F1 or... F1 or what? The 1998 McLaren. That's the first season I watch, so that's always my favourite F1 car. Favourite driver of all time: Favourite driver of all time? Similar answer. Mikka Hakkinen, champion the first year that he won and my childhood hero. And yeah, still get starstruck by him in the paddock. He's a lovely chap.
