Key Highlights
- Advanced handling model: Offers a more balanced driving experience, making races feel less punishing but still challenging.
- Revamped My Team 2.0: A complete overhaul of the managerial mode, now allowing players to take their team through more realistic management decisions in Formula One.
- Braking Point 3: The return of the narrative mode with deeper integration into My Team gameplay, adding a fresh layer to single-player functionality.
- Enhanced visuals: LIDAR mapping improves the accuracy of tracks and delivers detailed environments like species-accurate tree placements.
- Reverse track layouts: A unique addition, with three major tracks now permitting backward configurations for alternate challenges.
- Customisation updates: Improved livery options, sponsor placement systems, and driver number fonts enhance personalization.
Introduction
Codemasters’ new game, EA Sports F1 25, will come out on May 30, 2025. It promises better features than its previous version. The Iconic Edition will have Lewis Hamilton branding and will include an exclusive world event featuring Lewis Hamilton. This edition gives early access with Advanced Access and a subscription to some unique content, which should attract serious Formula One fans. Players can pick from the Standard Edition or different premium packs, including F3 driver icons. They will get updated modes, including Braking Point, new updates to circuits, and a fresh My Team 2.0 option. We will see if all this excitement makes a big impact.
Exploring the Advanced Handling Model in F1 25
The handling mechanics in F1 25 are said to be much better than in earlier games. They seem to appeal to players with different skill levels. However, whether this is truly the case can be debated. The updates may help cut down on frustrating spins and make car control easier. Still, some players might feel this takes away from the excitement and real feel of Formula One racing. Codemasters has added detailed handling features and small improvements for player comfort. But does this mean a major change, or are the updates just skin-deep? Let’s take a closer look.
What enhancements have been made to the handling mechanics?
Disappointingly, Codemasters seems to be playing it safe with the advanced handling model. Spins around corners happen less often, which makes casual players feel better. However, experienced racers might find it too easy. In the Advanced Access laps at tracks like Bahrain and Monaco, the changes felt real but not exciting. Drivers can slide without big penalties, which is different from the tough challenge that fans want from FIA Formula One World Championship simulations.
One good change is the better control of cars, especially for those using wheels. The new path-traced lighting gives PC players a clearer look. However, this does not really improve the pleasure of driving. There are features like vibration feedback on controllers, but some might think that basic improvements should come first before such extras.
In the end, Codemasters talks about realism, but the handling model feels like a weak mix between making Formula One easier to play and keeping skilled racers interested. The gap between being new and just okay is harder to see than before.
Comparing the handling in F1 25 to previous versions
The changes in handling are presented as an improvement. But do they really stand out when you compare F1 23 and F1 24? Here’s a look at the differences between these versions:
| Version | Core Handling Characteristics |
|---|---|
| F1 23 | Known for frequent spins when exiting tight corners. It punishes wrong use of the throttle. |
| F1 24 | It added stability in the middle of corners, but this made the driving feel too sensitive. |
| F1 25 | It’s easier to recover in low-traction areas. The “corrective” mechanics make the game friendly for beginners. |
Looking closer, F1 25 provides smoother throttle application and better stability on tough tracks like Suzuka. However, players who enjoy traditional challenges might feel less satisfied with the reduced unpredictability. The updates are not game-changers. They make the game easier for casual players, but they don’t add in-depth realism for dedicated fans of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
The Revamped My Team 2.0 Experience
One of F1 25’s biggest features is My Team 2.0. This mode offers more manager gameplay. Codemasters says players can now run their teams like real team heads, moving away from the old “Owner-Driver” style. Unfortunately, while it sounds good, it doesn’t have the depth found in real simulation games. The choices about picking drivers, using resources, and keeping morale up can feel too complicated. This might make players question if this update is really a big change or just another chance missed while pretending to improve.
Key features of the My Team 2.0 overhaul
The new My Team 2.0 mode promises exciting changes, but does it live up to the excitement?
- Players can now choose team setups from slower teams to faster ones, with budget limits affecting their facilities.
- The choice of car brands (like Ferrari or Mercedes) will affect engine reliability and power.
- All research tasks must now be done manually after finishing other work, which makes things more complicated but adds little to the fun.
Codemasters has removed the Owner-Driver format. This forces players to take on an administrative role instead of mixing gameplay styles. Even though the developers talk about realism, the first look reveals some issues. For example, the list of drivers is pretty dull and lacks excitement. The complicated resource management system only adds to the issues without giving players enough rewards. Sadly, team mode feels like just a basic improvement hiding deeper problems.
How does My Team 2.0 enhance player engagement?
At its heart, My Team 2.0 aims to increase player engagement with morale mechanics, budget challenges, and a new virtual currency system. However, this update fails to inspire much interest beyond its surface changes.
The morale factors are meant to impact drivers’ performances during races. Still, they seem more like a small trick rather than making real differences. The changes to the virtual currency, which focus a lot on sponsors, feel like an obvious way to make money from the game. This can frustrate players, who might end up grinding for no reason.
Sadly, the reorganized facilities and research do little to improve team mode interaction. Players can get stuck with dull administrative tasks, which takes away from the thrill of racing. Codemasters hasn’t found a good balance between depth and fun yet, making the whole update feel more clunky than improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, F1 25 offers new features and improvements. However, it may not meet everyone’s expectations. The handling model has some upgrades, but it’s unclear if they will really improve the gameplay experience. The overhaul for My Team 2.0 is a big change and might upset long-time fans who liked the old, simpler versions. As the game industry changes, many games struggle to connect with their loyal fans. F1 25 seems to be walking this fine line. We will have to wait and see if this game will truly delight racing fans or just be another forgettable part of the series.
