The F1 series from EA and Codemasters is back for another lap with F1 25, delivering a polished racing experience that’s as thrilling as ever but starting to show signs of wear. While the game remains a top-tier simulation for motorsport fans, it struggles to break new ground, leaving seasoned players craving something fresh. Here’s a deep dive into what makes F1 25 tick, from its gripping story mode to its on-track challenges.
Braking Point 3: A Dramatic Return
The return of Braking Point, the story-driven mode absent in last year’s edition, is a highlight of F1 25. This third chapter follows Aiden Jackson’s journey from a rookie to a championship contender over six seasons, alongside teammate California Mayer, who’s also vying for the title. The narrative introduces deeper emotional stakes and more managerial control, letting players shape team decisions between races.
The story’s antagonist, Devon Butler, steals the show with a well-crafted arc that adds spice to the nine-hour campaign. However, some moments feel scripted, like when Aiden laments a “missed opportunity” after winning a race due to a penalty. This disconnect can jolt players out of the immersion, but the mode’s integration of subplots—like staff emails celebrating personal wins—creates a surprisingly human feel. It’s a strong addition, though not quite worth the full price tag on its own.
Career Mode: Managing the Machine
F1 25’s career mode, once a revolutionary feature, feels like it’s reached its peak. The My Team option lets players take the fictional Konnorsport squad into the career mode after completing Braking Point, blending narrative and management seamlessly. Players can even sign big names like Max Verstappen to their team, which adds a fun, if slightly unrealistic, twist.
The mode leans heavily into logistics, with research, part fabrication, and upgrades spread across multiple menus. While this depth appeals to simulation fans, it can feel like a grind. Success on the track boosts fan support, which strengthens sponsorship deals and driver negotiations. However, the heavy focus on management sometimes overshadows the thrill of racing, making it feel more like a desk job than a dream drive.
Driving Dynamics: A Mixed Bag
At its core, F1 25 is about the racing, but the driving experience stumbles this year. The handling model, particularly for gamepad users, feels sluggish compared to past entries. Steering inputs at high speeds are overly dampened, making it tough to correct oversteer or navigate tight corners like Bahrain’s Turn 4. This “spongy” feel is worse with traction control enabled, which is frustrating for casual players.
Wheel users fare better, enjoying more precise control, but the gamepad issues are a letdown for a series known for its responsive handling. The driving feels heavier overall, requiring more braking than in previous years, which disrupts the flow of familiar tracks. Despite these flaws, the game still captures the adrenaline of F1 racing, especially on high-end setups.
F1 World: Quick and Addictive
F1 World remains a standout, offering a fast-paced, online-integrated mode where players upgrade a custom F1 car through quickplay events. It’s largely unchanged from its 2023 debut but remains engaging for those short on time. Winning races earns loot and upgrades, though some rewards—like emotes—feel out of place. This mode adds variety, making F1 25 feel like a three-in-one package, even if two parts don’t shine as brightly as before.
Visuals and Tech: Stunning but Demanding
Visually, F1 25 impresses with path-traced lighting and detailed tracks, especially on newer graphics cards. On an RTX 2070, performance is solid at 1080p with ray tracing off, but older cards struggle with newer features. Tracks like Spa Francorchamps occasionally stutter, but the game looks jaw-dropping at 8K60 on high-end hardware. New additions, like reversed tracks and LIDAR-mapped circuits, add authenticity but don’t significantly enhance gameplay.
Minor bugs, such as incorrect radio messages or subtitle errors, crop up occasionally. While these don’t break the game, they’re surprising for a series known for its polish.
Final Thoughts: Still a Contender?
F1 25 delivers a robust racing package with a compelling story, deep management, and a solid online mode. For newcomers, it’s a thrilling entry into the F1 world, but veterans may find it too familiar. The handling issues and lack of bold innovation make it harder to recommend over past entries. While the game nails the authenticity and spectacle of Formula 1, it’s starting to feel like it’s running on fumes. A major shake-up might be needed to keep this series in pole position.
We have many more interesting reviews here.