The upcoming EA Sports F1 25 racing simulator is set to deliver a refined and authentic Formula 1 experience, catering to the desires of hardcore fans. During a visit to Codemasters in Birmingham, UK, we learned about the new features and improvements being implemented in F1 25.
My Team mode, a key management aspect of the series, has undergone significant changes. Previously, players could act as both driver and team owner, often choosing to race as themselves. Now, the focus shifts to pure team ownership, requiring strategic resource allocation between two managed drivers. Players will still engage in races, controlling their chosen driver who will have developed skills through training and simulations.
According to F1 25 creative director Gavin Cooper, `The owner-driver model wasn`t truly representative of modern F1. Current F1 teams operate with a distinct separation between ownership and driving roles.`
F1 24`s Driver Career accolades are now integrated into My Team mode, influencing Fan Rating and evolving into Team vs. Team Rivalries. The game now features a more detailed system for how these ratings affect team perception among competitors, adding a new layer of strategic depth to team management.
Further enhancing complexity is the new Team HQ. Players must balance upgrade costs with on-track driver performance and budget constraints. Rapid upgrades can lead to unsustainable workforce expenses. Team HQ upgrades are now more detailed, unlocking specific skills and enhancements for drivers. Strategic decisions regarding driver focus will also impact team perception and driver contract negotiations.
Overall, F1 25`s off-track management is more intricate and varied, offering hardcore F1 enthusiasts greater control. The on-track racing experience has also been refined and improved.
Senior creative director Lee Mather stated, `We`ve made considerable progress based on feedback from F1 24 and lessons learned from F1 23, incorporating community input, esports driver interactions, and feedback from our creative council last year. This year’s game provides enhanced car balance, improving the racing experience with better low-speed mechanical grip and high-speed aerodynamic balance.`
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood