F1 fans disappointed after trailer for second half of 2026

With just under a week to go before lights out at the Dutch Grand Prix, Formula 1 has shared a trailer for the second half of the season on the sport’s social media channels.

The trailer counts down to the second half of the season, noting that everything is still to play for in 2026. Recalling the highlights of the season so far, the video was posted under the caption: “Who will reign? The second half of the season is upon us… Where immortality awaits.”

Verstappen and co featured in the trailer

Narrated by Irish actor, and known F1 fan, Colin Farrell, the trailer begins with the five start lights coming on one by one. “Eyes forward and clear your mind”, Farrell says, after which Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, appears on screen. Norris and Hamilton then come into view. “Right here, nothing exists except five lights.”

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both appeared in the trailer. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

As the first start light comes on, Max Verstappen appears. The Dutchman is first shown in a close-up and later walking into his pit box. He eventually stands in the spotlight. “The calm within the chaos”, is said as the four-time world champion appears on screen.

Later, the lights come on one by one and the other drivers are shown as well. “A fraction, a shift, and the world comes undone.” Then Hamilton appears. “Empty your mind. Just be.”

Disappointed reactions from F1 fans

F1 fans, however, have been left frustrated by the clip. The day prior, Formula 1 shared the starting lights going out, teasing some sort of announcement with the caption “See you tomorrow.” That turned out to be the new trailer, and most fans on X are, to put it mildly, disappointed.

“You know the season is really bad when a bang average TikTok fan edit gets hyped up by official channels”, one X user responded. Another was also disappointed. “So you’re telling me we waited that long for a promotional video of The Penguin about the second half of the season?”

“Wait… all this hype over a teaser that reminds us reminding us, as if we didn’t already know, that tomorrow is race week and the second half of the season is about to begin? No words.” another reacted. Still, there are a few positive reactions here and there as well. “I don’t care what everyone says, I love this video!!! It gave me goosebumps and a lot of hope for the second half of this season!”

Final Dutch GP at Zandvoort with Max Verstappen

The trailer counts down to the Dutch Grand Prix, which will take place for the last time next week. Verstappen has fond memories of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, having won his home race three times, and with another victory, he would equal Jim Clark.

In the last two races, he finished on the podium, both in second place. With a sixth podium, he would equal Clark and Niki Lauda. With a possible pole, he would become the sole record holder with four Pole Positions at Zandvoort.

Here is F1’s trailer for the second half of the 2026 season: