Introduction

F1® 25, developed by Codemasters and published by EA Sports, launched on May 30, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, bringing the official 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship to life. This installment introduces a revamped My Team mode, the third chapter of the Braking Point story, and enhanced handling mechanics, building on the series’ legacy following the mixed reception of F1® 24. Priced at $59.99 for the Standard Edition and $79.99 for the Iconic Edition, the game has generated buzz through early access for pre-orderers and beta tests, showcasing improved visuals and AI behavior. Early impressions suggest a solid evolution, though concerns about innovation and technical polish linger. This review explores its narrative, world, gameplay, and technical execution, offering a comprehensive look at its place in the racing simulation genre.

Narrative & Storytelling

F1® 25 features a single-player campaign through Braking Point 3, continuing the saga of the fictional Konnersport team as they navigate the 2024 and 2025 seasons, rising from underdogs to title contenders. The narrative unfolds with dramatic cutscenes, player-driven dialogue choices affecting team reputation, and emotional family dynamics, creating a compelling human element that sets it apart from typical racing games. This storyline builds on the series’ tradition of blending motorsport with soap opera-style drama, offering a fresh take on the F1 world.

However, the campaign’s linear structure, with pre-set races and scripted events, limits player agency compared to open-world racing titles like Forza Horizon 5. The My Team mode adds a management narrative, where players act as team principals, balancing driver performance and sponsorships, though it lacks the depth of dedicated management sims. Multiplayer lacks a formal story but generates emergent tales—rivalries forged in online races or tactical pit stops—that enhance replayability. Community buzz highlights excitement for Braking Point’s emotional depth, though some question its longevity, suggesting a narrative that excels for story fans but may not hold for pure racers.

World & Environments

The world of F1® 25 spans 23 real-world circuits, including newly LIDAR-scanned tracks like Melbourne and Suzuka, offering precise track details—kerbs, gravel traps, and surrounding foliage—that elevate immersion. Reverse layouts for circuits like Silverstone add a novel twist, while dynamic weather effects, such as rain altering grip, introduce strategic variety. The audio landscape shines with engine roars, tire screeches, and crowd chants, though occasional repetition of commentary can feel monotonous over long sessions.

Yet, the track designs, while detailed, show similarities in layout, with some circuits feeling like reskins of previous years, potentially reducing freshness. Compared to the varied environments of Gran Turismo 7, F1® 25’s focus on F1-specific tracks prioritizes authenticity over diversity, which might limit appeal for those seeking varied racing experiences. Community feedback praises the LIDAR accuracy and weather impact, but some note overcrowding in key sections, indicating a world that excels in realism but needs broader design innovation.

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Loop

The core loop centers on race weekends, spanning practice, qualifying, and races, with sessions lasting 20-60 minutes depending on mode, delivering a satisfying progression of skill and strategy. The focus on mastering tracks and setups drives engagement, a hallmark of the series.

On-Field Mechanics

The handling model has been refined, with improved tire wear and understeer feedback, offering a more realistic feel that rewards precise driving, a clear step up from F1® 24’s arcade leanings. A wide range of assists—traction control, ABS—caters to all skill levels, though balance issues with AI aggression can frustrate. The system encourages tactical racing but demands adaptation to its nuances.

Mode-Specific Features

Braking Point 3 and My Team 2.0 provide narrative and management depth, with the latter’s expanded role selection—choosing drivers and upgrades—adding complexity. Career Mode offers a traditional driver journey, while online modes like Grand Prix and Time Trial deliver competitive variety. The reverse tracks add a unique challenge, though their limited number restricts impact. Balance adjustments for AI pit strategies lag, a point raised in early tests.

Progression & Multiplayer

Progression includes driver ratings, car upgrades, and cosmetic unlocks, balancing grind with reward, a system that feels rewarding based on pre-launch play. Online play supports 22-player grids, but lag and matchmaking issues could detract, a concern from past titles. Compared to Gran Turismo Sport’s polished online, F1® 25’s scale is authentic, though it needs smoother netcode.

Technical Execution

F1® 25 utilizes the EGO engine to deliver sharp visuals—detailed cars, realistic weather—making it a visual treat, though mid-range PCs might face frame drops. Post-launch patches have addressed server stability, a common issue, but occasional UI freezes during menu navigation persist. Audio impresses with immersive engine sounds, though commentary repetition can grate.

Controls are responsive with precise steering and braking, offering a natural feel across controllers and wheels, though online responsiveness might waver under high latency. Patches are refining core systems, but initial technical hiccups suggest ongoing optimization is needed. The execution supports the simulation focus, with visuals and audio as strengths amid polish challenges.

Community Feedback

F1® 25 is sparking a lively community, with early praise for its handling and Braking Point story, though concerns about map repetition and AI balance surface from player discussions. Excitement for the LIDAR tracks and reverse layouts is evident, but toxicity and server lag worries persist from past iterations. Feedback drives development, sustaining interest, and player retention is expected to be strong, bolstered by the franchise’s dedicated fanbase.

Criticism focuses on technical stability and innovation, with players noting UI lag and limited new content, alongside AI tuning debates. The community’s active input shapes patches, reflecting a passionate group eager for refinement.

Final Verdict

F1® 25 delivers a refined racing experience with enhanced handling and a compelling Braking Point story, building on the series’ strengths. Its LIDAR tracks and weather mechanics shine, though map variety and technical issues pose challenges. It’s a must-play for F1 fans, with patience needed as updates enhance the experience.