F1 25: A technical evolution that refines driving without reinventing the formula

With improved handling, a deeper career mode, and graphical advancements powered by next-gen technologies, EA and Codemasters' latest installment cements its place as the most comprehensive Formula 1 simulator to date. But does it justify the leap from the previous edition?

F1 25 is the seventeenth consecutive installment of the official video game of the Formula 1 World Championship, developed by Codemasters and distributed by EA Sports.

It was released worldwide on May 30, 2025 for PC (Steam and EA App), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S , leaving out previous generation consoles for the first time.

The title comes in two editions: the Standard Edition, featuring core content from the 2025 season, and the Iconic Edition, which offers early access, legendary drivers, exclusive cosmetic items, and a special pack inspired by Apple Films' F1: The Movie.

Officially licensed by the FIA, F1 25 includes all the teams, drivers, and tracks from the current calendar. It also introduces substantial handling tweaks, more believable artificial intelligence, LIDAR-scanned tracks, support for technologies like DLSS 4 and FSR 3.1, and visual enhancements exclusive to modern platforms. All this promises to deliver the most realistic simulation experience yet seen in the series.

The new handling model, developed with direct input from world champion Max Verstappen. Compared to F1 24, where the driving feel was criticized for excessive understeer, F1 25 offers more responsive, stable, and precise handling . Weight transfer under braking, traction in low-speed corners, and the car's response to weather changes have all been improved.

This translates into a greater sense of control with high-end wheels, but also a smoother experience for those using standard controllers. Rainy races now require progressive throttle control, and tire degradation is more accurately reflected in the car's physics. Overall, the title strikes a balance between simulation and accessibility.

Another important leap forward is artificial intelligence. For the first time in the series, rivals make visible errors, such as stalling during braking, going off the track, or risky overtaking maneuvers. During a race, it's common to see each team's strategy change dynamically , making different decisions in response to weather changes or the appearance of the Safety Car.

The AI's on-track behavior more realistically simulates wheel-to-wheel competition. It no longer simply follows an ideal running pattern, but instead seeks out spaces, defends aggressively, and forces the player to react in real time. This improvement, which is noticeable in both career mode and custom events, heightens the tension and realism of each session.

One of the most visible new features is the return of the story mode, Braking Point 3, which was absent in F1 24. This third narrative installment brings back the fictional characters Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler in a plot that blends drama with real-life paddock settings. Although the script has been criticized for falling into stereotypes and a predictable structure, its audiovisual production and integration with the game's mechanics offer a good entry point for new players.

Even more profound is the redesign of My Team mode, which expands its management component: the player not only drives, but now also acts as team boss. Decisions must be made regarding investment in facilities, hiring and improving drivers , choosing technical development, and managing resources wisely. This evolution brings it closer to a lightweight F1 Manager within the simulator itself, giving greater weight to decisions off the track.

Additionally, F1 25 allows you to play the career mode from the perspective of a real driver, a historical figure, or a custom character. F1 World, the hub for limited-time events and challenges, also returns, albeit with no significant structural changes from previous installments.

By moving away from last-gen consoles, F1 25 breaks free from its technical limitations and delivers a clear visual leap. On PC, the game includes ray tracing for reflections, shadows, and ambient occlusion, as well as support for path tracing, an advanced lighting simulation technique that, while requiring a powerful GPU (RTX 4080 or higher), offers unprecedented fidelity.

Among the most visible improvements is the LIDAR scanning of five iconic circuits: Albert Park (Australia), Suzuka (Japan), Imola (Italy), Miami (USA), and Bahrain. This technology allows surfaces, corners, kerbs, and elevations to be represented with millimeter precision, enriching the driving experience and noticeable both visually and physically. Furthermore, three tracks can now be raced in reverse, a modest but interesting addition.

The game supports DLSS 4 and AMD FSR 3.1, allowing for real-time resolution scaling for improved frame rates without sacrificing visual quality. It also offers support for VR on PC, ultrawide monitors, triple screens, motion rigs, and eye-tracking systems.

F1 25 is optimized for next-gen hardware, but it's resource-intensive at its highest settings. On machines with an RTX 4070 or higher, it's possible to achieve over 60 FPS at Ultra quality with ray tracing enabled. At 4K resolutions, smoothness is largely dependent on whether DLSS or FSR is enabled. Playing in VR at High quality requires a powerful GPU, as upscaling modes are not enabled in that mode.

F1 25 maintains cross-play between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, allowing for a broader player base in multiplayer. The game offers casual, competitive, and co-op online modes, with private leagues, leaderboards, and weekly events.

Timing issues and Safety Car management errors were reported in the early weeks, but these were quickly addressed with patches from Codemasters.

The PC community has begun posting cosmetic mods and optimized setups on the Steam Workshop, although access to modifications is limited compared to other simulators due to restrictions in the online play system.