Braking Point, the narrative mode first introduced in EA Sports F1 2021, is set to launch its third chapter with the upcoming F1 25. When EA and Codemasters initially unveiled this addition, many speculated it aimed to build on the popularity of the Netflix docuseries `Drive to Survive`, combining high-stakes racing with dramatic off-track dynamics, personal conflicts, and media interactions.
This blend appeals to a wide range of fans, particularly those more interested in the human drama of Formula 1 than solely its technical aspects.
Voice actress Emer Kenny, who plays Callie Mayer in the game, commented on this connection: “I think that`s why things like `Drive to Survive` were so successful in bringing in new fans to the sport, because you get to see all those characters and personalities behind the team and those drivers and I think the game is similar.”
Although she doesn`t actively follow F1 herself, she absorbs it through her husband`s passion for the sport. What resonates most with her are the insights into “the inner workings of a team and the dynamics and the relationships.” This focus on the personal side led her to appreciate McLaren`s Lando Norris, whom she describes as “a sweet guy, and he`s not a cold winning machine. It feels like he`s dealing with all the pressures, which is a bit like what we play out in the game.”
Daniel Ben Zenou, who has been with Braking Point since its inception as the voice of the iconic character Devon Butler, notes that while the initial comparison to the Netflix show remains valid three chapters in, the mode has “definitely evolved.”
He views it as “a portrayal of the drivers behind the drivers,” adding that the next version promises to be “bigger and broader than we`ve seen it before.”
Devon and Callie are estranged siblings navigating a complicated dynamic. Devon made it to F1 but was forced into an early retirement during Braking Point 2, which coincided with Callie`s ascent following her historic victory in Formula 2. Adding to the family tension, their father buys their team and becomes a significant presence in Braking Point 3. Throughout this, the team has climbed the ranks, becoming capable of challenging for podiums, wins, and potentially championships.
Kenny shared insights into Callie`s journey: “Callie is hitting her stride. There`s continuing struggles with dynamics and power and who she listens to within the team, but she`s getting her head down and racing and trying to do her best job — and then something massive happens within her family and the team, and her and Devon`s reactions are extremely different and they both look at each other and struggle with that.”
Devon, meanwhile, begins the story “with him dealing with his new reality” and the significant void suddenly present in his life.
Zenou explained, “He`s gone through this big old transition of having to let go of his dreams, effectively.” For Braking Point 3, the actor found inspiration in the real-world dynamic between Formula 1 driver Lance Stroll and his father, team owner Lawrence Stroll, noting similarities to the family relationship portrayed in the game.
Callie`s introduction in Braking Point 2 generated some debate among fans, as some felt she somewhat overshadowed the established protagonist, Aiden Jackson.
Kenny welcomed the diverse reactions: “I`m kind of happy that there was a mixed reaction to her.” She finds portraying a straightforward hero less engaging, preferring roles with “some rough edges and some spikiness to play with.”
To highlight their sibling bond and position her character in opposition to Aiden, Kenny incorporated elements of Zenou`s portrayal of Devon into her performance as Callie.
“She`s not necessarily the villain like Devon was right at the beginning,” Kenny stated. “She`s there to do what she`s got to do. I mean, to be a woman in F1 you have to have that steeliness and ambition.”
While Kenny didn`t model Callie on a specific driver, she extensively researched female motorsport athletes to understand their mindsets and challenges, gaining valuable context for her character`s motivations and personality.
Beyond characters and themes, Braking Point`s production scale has also grown significantly over the years.
Zenou recalled the early days: “When we did the original, it was almost like a little tester to see if this story thing would work and we had maybe five to six people on the whole job when we were filming it and doing the motion capture in Pinewood Studios.” He contrasted this with the most recent production: “This last one, we had a massive 120-page script — a movie script, basically — and it must have been 50, 60 people in the huge mocap aircraft hangar. Just in terms of logistics, it`s a totally different universe.”
Asked which actual Formula 1 team they would place their characters in, Zenou quickly assigned Devon Butler to Ferrari. “The heritage, the style — that`s his vibe,” he explained. Kenny eventually chose Red Bull for Callie, feeling her “punchy and dynamic” personality would fit that environment.
Would they take the opportunity to drive a real F1 car? Zenou, a massive fan in his childhood during the Senna, Schumacher, and Hill era, didn`t hesitate to say yes and even specified a target: he`d want to drive the Las Vegas track.
Kenny expressed a similar willingness: “I would be conflicted, but I would do it,” she said. While practical driving experience might have made their acting roles easier, they both greatly enjoyed recording their scenes, relying significantly on imagination.
Kenny described the acting process for games: “We all have to do some mad stuff and sometimes it comes really naturally and sometimes you have to work on it for a few takes, but it`s the most fun.” She particularly enjoys voice acting for games because “you are even further from the character than in a film or a TV, where you physically have to be in that position. I love voicing anything where you get to use your imagination a bit more and have to lock in on how that character would think or feel. You just sit there and imagine it and then you just go for it.”
Finally, the two actors offered their predictions for the current season`s world championship. Zenou favored Max Verstappen, stating you could “never count him out,” while Kenny predicted a win for Lando Norris.
Fans can discover who triumphs in the virtual world of F1 25 when the game is released on May 30, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt