The upcoming EA Sports F1 25, a high-fidelity racing simulator, is designed to deliver the realistic and nuanced experience that hardcore F1 enthusiasts crave. To understand the game`s development, we visited Codemasters in Birmingham, UK, and learned about the new features and improvements in F1 25.
A major focus in F1 25 is the My Team mode, the game`s team management feature. Previously, players could be both the team owner and a driver, usually choosing to drive themselves. Now, players will solely manage the team, requiring strategic resource allocation between their two drivers. Players will still participate in races as their chosen driver, utilizing skills developed through training and simulations.
According to F1 25 creative director Gavin Cooper, “The owner-driver concept wasn`t authentic to real-world F1. Modern F1 teams don`t operate that way.”
Accolades from F1 24`s Driver Career mode are now integrated into My Team, influencing Fan Rating and evolving into Team vs. Team Rivalries. These ratings add depth to team management, affecting how teams and drivers perceive your organization.
The new Team HQ introduces further complexity, requiring players to balance upgrade costs, driver performance, and budget caps. Rapid upgrades can strain your workforce expenses. The Team HQ offers more detailed upgrades, unlocking driver skills and buffs. Your decisions on driver prioritization can impact team perception and driver contract negotiations.
F1 25`s management aspects are more detailed and diverse, offering hardcore F1 fans greater control. The on-track racing experience has also been refined.
Senior creative director Lee Mather stated, “We`ve made significant progress based on feedback from F1 24, learnings from F1 23, community input, esports driver interactions, and feedback from our creative council last year. We`ve achieved a better car balance this year, improving the interplay between low-speed mechanical grip and high-speed aerodynamic balance, leading to a more advanced racing experience.”
