AtanariaCodemasters has returned with F1 25, and while annual sports titles often iterate rather than innovate, this latest entry demonstrates that even small refinements can make a significant difference. As someone who has followed both the series and Formula One over the past year, I approached F1 25 with high expectations—and it largely delivers, particularly in its single-player experiences, most notably the career mode.
MyTeam 2.0: A Smarter, More Immersive Career
The career mode has received one of the most thoughtful updates in recent years. The MyTeam 2.0 experience transforms the player into a fully-fledged team manager, rather than the hybrid driver-manager of F1 24. This shift allows for a more focused, strategic approach to building an F1 organization. Players start by creating their manager, then customizing the team with a surprising degree of detail, from selecting team colors and sponsors to determining operational priorities.
One of the standout additions is the ability to choose a managerial archetype, which subtly but meaningfully shapes the gameplay. You can be a driver-friendly leader, an engineering-savvy technical mind, or a business-oriented manager focused on finances. I opted for the engineering archetype, which provided noticeable benefits to R&D efficiency and team morale. This choice immediately made me feel like my decisions mattered, rather than simply checking boxes.
Micro-Management That Matters
Being a manager in F1 25 is about more than just racing. The game forces players to make meaningful weekly decisions, from PR opportunities to staff concerns, budget allocations, and car upgrades. I particularly enjoyed the small, almost mundane tasks, like deciding which facility to upgrade or scheduling drivers’ simulator sessions. These micro-management choices have a direct impact on race performance, providing a satisfying connection between behind-the-scenes strategy and on-track results.
Driver management is equally rich. Players can recruit drivers from the F2 pool, monitor their morale, and make strategic choices about car parts and upgrades. The option to poach star drivers from other teams adds an exciting competitive element, while the risk of losing your own talent keeps you on your toes. The depth here strikes a delicate balance: it’s complex enough to feel authentic, yet not overwhelming.
Driving and Gameplay Improvements
Of course, any career mode is only as good as the driving itself, and Codemasters has refined the on-track experience. The cars now feel heavier and more grounded, giving tight corners a real sense of satisfaction when navigated correctly. The physics improvements make overtaking and managing tire wear more engaging, and the various assist options allow newcomers to get comfortable without removing the sense of achievement for seasoned players.
The Driver career mode remains similar to last year but still offers flexibility. Players can race as real F1 drivers, F2 talent, legends like Ayrton Senna, or even fictional/movie-tied characters, adding some quirky but entertaining variety. Though the mode lacks a proper tutorial system—which may frustrate beginners—there are enough assist options to help ease players into the racing mechanics.
Braking Point: Story Meets Racing
Beyond traditional career modes, Braking Point continues to impress as a narrative-driven racing experience. Picking up threads from F1 ’21 and ’23, players follow the fictional Konnersport team as they fight to compete with F1’s elite. Excellent cutscenes and faux-documentary segments deepen the drama, while the gameplay balances racing with light management decisions, such as resolving staff disputes or PR controversies. This mode successfully merges cinematic storytelling with strategic gameplay, making the races feel like high-stakes, meaningful events rather than isolated challenges.
Presentation and Tracks
F1 25 also improves in presentation and environmental detail. Tracks are more realistic than ever, with lighting, foliage, and other visual flourishes creating a stunning sense of place. As a Miami resident, I was particularly impressed by the Miami Grand Prix, which felt alive and immersive. Reverse variants of tracks add additional replay value, letting players experience circuits in entirely new ways.
Minor Drawbacks
While F1 25 excels in many areas, it isn’t without flaws. The persistent lack of a proper onboarding or tutorial system may make the game less accessible to newcomers, despite the extensive assist options. Additionally, some of the tie-ins, such as characters from the upcoming F1 movie, feel a bit out of place in an otherwise realistic simulation. These are relatively minor issues in a game that otherwise shines.
Verdict
F1 25 is a significant step forward in refining the Formula One gaming experience. The career mode, particularly MyTeam 2.0, offers depth, strategic nuance, and meaningful player choice. Improved driving physics and handling make the on-track action more satisfying, while Braking Point continues to deliver a compelling narrative experience. Minor issues with onboarding and some unusual tie-ins don’t detract from what is otherwise a polished and immersive racing simulation.
For fans of the sport, the series, or both, F1 25 provides countless hours of engaging gameplay, from managing your own F1 empire to chasing pole positions and championship victories. Codemasters has once again cemented its status as one of the premier developers of racing simulators.
A must-play for racing fans, with depth, polish, and engaging management and racing gameplay.
