Key Highlights
Get ready to hit the track with F1 25, the latest official video game from EA Sports. Here’s a quick look at what’s new this year:
- Braking Point 3 Returns: The dramatic story mode is back with new twists and player choices that shape the narrative.
- My Team 2.0 Overhaul: Experience a revamped career mode where you take on the role of Team Owner, managing finances and drivers.
- Enhanced Driving Physics: Feel more in control than ever with a refined handling model that improves realism and responsiveness.
- Smarter AI Competitors: Race against more aggressive and realistic AI drivers who fight for every position.
- Movie Tie-In Content: Drive as characters from the upcoming F1 movie and take on special scenarios.
- Reversed Circuits: For the first time in the FIA Formula world championship series, race on iconic tracks in reverse.
Introduction
The roar of engines is back! Each year, racing fans eagerly await the next installment of the FIA Formula One World Championship game, and F1 25 from Codemasters and EA Sports is shaping up to be a monumental release. This year’s edition isn’t just a simple roster update; it’s packed with significant upgrades, a returning fan-favorite story mode, and innovative features that promise to deepen the on-track experience. Are you ready to see if it delivers on its promise?
Major Gameplay Upgrades in F1 25
This year’s official video game brings some of the most substantial gameplay changes the series has seen in years. The developers have listened to fan feedback, focusing on core mechanics to create a more authentic and enjoyable racing experience. From the way the car handles to how your competitors race against you, nearly every aspect of being on the track has been refined.
You’ll immediately notice the difference when battling for position against the improved AI or trying to set a new record in a Time Trial. The behavior of the tires is more realistic, making strategy in a long Grand Prix even more critical. Whether you’re chasing down Max Verstappen in his Red Bull Racing car or defending against a charging Lewis Hamilton, the on-track action feels more dynamic and rewarding than ever before. These improvements set F1 25 apart from its predecessors.
Enhanced Driving Physics and Realism
One of the most significant upgrades in F1 25 is the completely overhauled driving physics. Last year’s game, F1 24, introduced a new physics model that received some criticism, but Codemasters has spent the last year fettling and perfecting it. The result is a handling model that feels impeccable and much more controllable, especially when using a controller.
This refinement makes a huge difference in moment-to-moment gameplay. You’ll feel more connected to the car as you navigate tight corners and manage your speed. The wear on your tires feels more predictable yet challenging, adding a layer of strategy to your team career. How does F1 25 compare to previous F1 game editions in this area? It’s a night-and-day difference, offering a more intuitive and satisfying driving experience that both newcomers and veterans will appreciate.
Navigating the pit lane or pushing the limits on a hot lap feels incredibly authentic. This new level of realism elevates the entire FIA Formula One experience, making every race feel like a genuine battle of skill and strategy. The improved physics provide a solid foundation that makes all other game modes more enjoyable.
Refined AI Competitor Behaviors
Tired of AI drivers forming a predictable, single-file “train” around the track? F1 25 addresses this long-standing issue with a major overhaul to competitor behavior. The AI is now more aggressive, intelligent, and, most importantly, more human-like. Opponents will actively defend their positions on straights, attempt daring overtakes, and race you wheel-to-wheel through corners, making every battle for the podium feel earned.
This smarter AI makes modes like Time Trial and Grand Prix more engaging, as you’re no longer just racing against the clock but against dynamic opponents. Whether you’re racing against established stars or fictional racers like Joshua Pearce from the APXGP team pack, the challenge is more realistic. The developers have clearly worked to make the AI behave less like a machine and more like a grid of competitive drivers.
To understand the change, see how the new AI stacks up against the old system:
|
Feature |
Old AI (F1 24 and earlier) |
New AI (F1 25) |
|---|---|---|
|
Overtaking |
Passive, often staying in a “train” |
Aggressive and opportunistic, attempting moves |
|
Defending |
Followed a single racing line |
Moves on straights to break the slipstream |
|
Race Craft |
Predictable and robotic behavior |
More human-like, can make mistakes under pressure |
|
Adaptability |
Struggled to react to player moves |
Dynamically responds to player’s position |
Braking Point 3: Story Mode Evolutions
The highly anticipated story mode, Braking Point, makes its triumphant return for a third installment. This isn’t just more of the same; Braking Point 3 evolves the formula by introducing dynamic choices that directly impact the narrative and your on-track objectives. You’ll once again follow the high-stakes drama of the fictional Konnersport team, but this time, you have a say in how the story unfolds.
This new chapter promises a “deliciously tortuous soap opera-style storyline” filled with well-acted drama and varied racing challenges. Beyond the story, F1 25 also introduces a new single-player mode called Challenge Career, where you tackle timed scenarios and post your results to a global leaderboard. While it’s not strictly a multiplayer mode, it adds a new competitive layer. Standard online multiplayer and split-screen also return for you to race against friends.
New Narrative Twists and Characters
Braking Point 3 brings back familiar characters but places them in new, high-pressure situations. The story mode picks up with the Konnersport team as they mount a serious challenge for the championship, putting them in direct competition with giants like Red Bull Racing. The narrative spans 15 chapters and is filled with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Returning characters Aiden Jackson, Callie Mayer, and the infamous Devon Butler are back, but they are portrayed as less “whiny and annoying” this time around, leading to more compelling drama. The story will take you to iconic tracks, including the vibrant circuit in Miami, as you navigate the treacherous world of Formula One politics and on-track rivalries against teams like Williams.
The story is designed to be unpredictable and engaging, with key plot points that will surprise you. Some of the narrative elements you can expect include:
- A Family Tragedy: The death of Davidoff Butler sends shockwaves through the team, impacting Devon and Callie in different ways.
- Team Leadership Shake-Up: Tensions rise, leading to a dramatic change in the team principal role at Konnersport.
- High-Stakes Collisions: Experience dramatic race incidents, including a controversial crash reminiscent of real-world F1 history.
- A Fight for Survival: Discover the financial struggles behind the scenes that threaten the very existence of the Konnersport team.
Dynamic Player Choices and Consequences
For the first time in the series, Braking Point 3 puts you in the driver’s seat of the narrative. Throughout the story, you’ll be faced with player choices that have real consequences. In certain chapters, you must decide whether to play as Aiden Jackson or Callie Mayer. This choice doesn’t just change the driver you control; it alters the on-track objectives and the storyline’s outcome.
These decisions affect your reputation and performance, which can lock or unlock different dialogue options in media interviews and meetings. Thinking strategically about your choices is key, as they can influence everything from your relationship with the team to your ability to fight for the podium in the next Grand Prix. This system adds a layer of replayability, encouraging you to go back and see how different choices play out.
This new mechanic makes the story feel more personal and less like you’re just watching a movie. It integrates the gameplay and narrative in a way that feels more meaningful than before, creating a structure that feels closer to a team career mode where your actions truly matter.
Visual and Audio Enhancements
F1 25 takes full advantage of the latest hardware, delivering a stunning audio-visual presentation. With a focus on next-gen graphics, the game looks sharper and more realistic than ever before. Codemasters has left previous-generation consoles behind, allowing them to push the visual fidelity to new heights on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Alongside the visual feast, the game boasts immersive soundscapes that bring each circuit to life. The audio experience is further improved with more realistic commentary, real team radio messages, and a thoughtful new accessibility feature: a tinnitus relief filter. These enhancements combine to create the most immersive F1 experience to date.
Next-Gen Graphics and Track Details
The leap to exclusively next-gen graphics is immediately apparent in F1 25. The developers have used LIDAR technology, a method that uses lasers to digitally scan environments, to recreate five circuits with incredible accuracy: Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola. This means every bump, curb, and change in elevation on these tracks is precisely as it is in real life.
This focus on track details creates an unprecedented level of realism. You’ll feel the difference as you race around legendary circuits like Silverstone or navigate the newer tracks in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. According to EA, “This data is used for unprecedented accuracy when recreating tracks in-game, ensuring players feel every bump and change in elevation, just like the real drivers.”
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at a stable 60 frames per second in Quality mode, with a Performance mode option that targets 120FPS. While some minor visual elements might occasionally show their age, the overall impression is of a sharp, fluid, and visually stunning racing game that truly feels next-gen.
Immersive Soundscapes and Commentary Improvements
A great racing game isn’t just about what you see; it’s about what you hear. F1 25 delivers truly immersive soundscapes that make you feel like you’re right there on the grid. Engine notes are distinct and powerful, the roar of the crowd is palpable, and the subtle sounds of tires on tarmac add to the realism. This audio overhaul makes playing on a powerful console like the Xbox Series X with a good headset a thrilling experience.
The in-game commentary has also been improved, but the bigger upgrade is the inclusion of more real team radio messages. Hearing the authentic voice of your race engineer or listening to broadcast clips of drivers like Lewis Hamilton adds a fantastic layer of immersion that connects the game to the real-world sport.
Furthermore, Codemasters has introduced some welcome new audio features focused on accessibility and customization:
- Tinnitus Relief Filter: A thoughtful addition that adjusts certain high-frequency sounds to make the game more comfortable for players who suffer from tinnitus.
- Adaptive Trigger Strength: On the PS5 controller, you can adjust the resistance of the triggers to your liking, enhancing the feeling of braking and acceleration.
- Dynamic Audio Mix: The game’s sound mix adapts to the on-track situation, emphasizing key sounds during intense moments.
Conclusion
F1 25 promises to elevate your racing experience with a plethora of exciting features and improvements. From enhanced driving physics that simulate the real feel of the track to captivating narrative-driven gameplay in Braking Point 3, this season is set to engage players like never before. The refined AI will challenge your skills, while breathtaking visuals and immersive sound design will make every race feel like a live event. Whether you’re a casual gamer or new to the F1 series, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gear up, rev your engines, and get ready to hit the tracks!
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms will F1 25 be available on?
F1 25 is a next-generation exclusive, focusing on the latest hardware. You can play the latest FIA Formula One game from EA Sports on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game will not be released on the older PlayStation 4 or Xbox One console generations.
Are there new multiplayer modes in F1 25?
While the core online multiplayer modes and split-screen return, the main new addition is Challenge Career. It’s a single-player mode where you compete in timed scenarios and post your scores to a global leaderboard for bragging rights. This adds a new way to compete in the official video game of the FIA Formula One championship.
How does F1 25 compare to previous F1 game editions?
F1 25 is a major improvement over its predecessors. Codemasters has significantly refined the driving physics, fixing issues from F1 24 for better control over your tires. The My Team mode is completely revamped, and Braking Point returns with player choices, making it a much deeper experience in the world of racing.
