Sebastian Vettel’s poignant reminder over the radio, “We have to remember these days because there’s no guarantee they will last forever,” resonates deeply within the realm of Formula 1 gaming, particularly as we delve into the latest installment, F1 25. The echoes of this sentiment are amplified not only by the current state of the F1 franchise but also by the recent pause of its stablemate, WRC, by EA. Since its ambitious overhaul in 2016, the career mode has seen significant refinement, reaching a peak in 2018. However, as we navigate through 2025, it appears that the evolution of F1 25 may have plateaued, revealing some uncharacteristic flaws amidst its undeniable excellence.
What is it? The 17th annual edition of Codemasters’ official F1 game, if you count the Wii/PSP one.
Release date: May 30, 2025
Expect to pay: /£50
Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Reviewed on: RTX 2070, 16GB RAM, Intel i7 10th Gen
Steam Deck: Unsupported
Link: Official site
While F1 25 continues to deliver a high-quality, authentically immersive racing experience, the diminishing returns have made it challenging to wholeheartedly recommend. The much-anticipated conclusion of the Braking Point saga, absent in the previous edition, adds a layer of depth and drama to the narrative, featuring a character arc that sees Aiden Jackson evolve from rookie to title contender over six seasons. Alongside him, California Mayer emerges as a formidable rival, creating an engaging storyline. Yet, the presence of a fictional female driver vying for the title before any real-life counterpart has graced the modern F1 grid raises eyebrows, even as the narrative unfolds compellingly.
Braking Point 3 offers a nine-hour story that, while not entirely justifying its retail price, enriches the gameplay with increased managerial responsibilities. This prompts speculation about how the Braking Point series might have fared as a standalone title, akin to the acclaimed TOCA Race Driver series.
However, the scripted dialogue limits player-driven variation, leading to moments of dissonance. For instance, a scenario may require a win while simultaneously suggesting a lower finish, resulting in a character lamenting missed opportunities despite a victory. Such inconsistencies momentarily disrupt immersion but highlight the overall quality of the game, which masterfully intertwines various narrative threads.
Fan your success
The email system, where promoted staff members reach out to share their achievements, adds a human touch, enhancing the player’s emotional investment in team management. This feature, a first for the series, fosters a sense of connection. Yet, the inclusion of high-profile drivers like Max Verstappen seeking to join a fictional team feels somewhat out of place, albeit amusing.
Players can opt to disable fictional elements, including iconic figures like Ayrton Senna, but doing so may leave little to differentiate F1 25 from its predecessors. The increased focus on research and development can feel tedious, with tasks split across multiple screens, detracting from the enjoyment of the core racing experience. While facility upgrades and fan sentiment play crucial roles in sponsorship negotiations, the game occasionally leans too heavily into logistics, transforming the experience into a job rather than a thrilling escape into the world of racing.
Shifting focus back to the driving experience, the handling model has faced criticism, particularly regarding pad control, which feels less responsive than in previous iterations. The steering input dampening at high speeds has become overly pronounced, leading to cumbersome handling that detracts from the thrill of navigating tight corners. While wheel users may find a more satisfying experience, the pad control, once a hallmark of the series, now feels notably diminished.
Moreover, the game is not without its quirks, featuring bugs such as incorrect radio messages and audio inconsistencies. While it may seem harsh to critique a game that excels in many areas, the familiar nature of F1 25 raises questions about its innovation. New features, such as reverse tracks and LIDAR-mapped courses, while visually appealing, do not significantly enhance gameplay for seasoned players. For newcomers, however, the experience remains exhilarating.
Tracing line
On the technical front, F1 25 showcases modern advancements like path-traced lighting, which enhances visual fidelity but is limited to higher-end graphics cards. Players using an RTX 2070 may find themselves grappling with lower frame rates at 1080p, while newer cards deliver a stunning visual experience, particularly at higher resolutions. Despite some minor performance hiccups, the game is well-optimized, offering breathtaking graphics when running smoothly.
Ultimately, F1 25 presents a familiar experience, echoing the sentiments of its predecessors while introducing elements that feel less innovative. The combination of F1 World, the return of Braking Point, and the career mode creates a comprehensive package, yet the lack of fresh excitement leaves players yearning for a more radical transformation. As the franchise navigates its path forward, the call for innovation grows louder, signaling that the time may be ripe for a significant overhaul in the years to come.
