F1 25 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade? A Deep Dive into the Latest Iteration of the Popular Racing Sim

The checkered flag has dropped on EA Sports F1 25, and the question on every racing fan's mind is: has this year's installment done enough to justify the upgrade? While opinions may be divided, early reviews point to a solid, if evolutionary, step forward for the series, offering a compelling blend of familiar gameplay with some exciting new additions.

One of the biggest highlights of F1 25 is the return of the Braking Point Story mode. After being absent in last year's edition, this mode allows players to delve into a fictional narrative centered around the Konnersport team. As one review puts it, "Braking Point 3 is the final chapter for Konnersport...It's a fairly typical narrative...but it works."

The story follows teammates Aiden Jackson and Callie Mayer as they navigate rivalries, personal drama, and the relentless pursuit of championship glory. Players can choose between the two drivers, impacting objectives and the final outcome. Reviewers rave about the dramatic twists and the emotional connection forged with the characters. From Netflix-esque interview sections to nuanced character development, the Braking Point story mode effectively creates the tension on the track. If you skipped it in previous years due to its absence, now is the ideal time to return and immerse yourself in the narrative.

For those craving a deeper management experience, the My Team mode has received a significant overhaul. Players now step into the role of team principal, overseeing two drivers, negotiating sponsorships, and upgrading their facilities. This enhanced focus on team management is drawing comparisons to the F1 Manager games. The visual representation of progress, with headquarters evolving as you upgrade facilities, adds an engaging element to the mode.

On the track, F1 25 aims to provide a more authentic driving experience. Select circuits, including Imola and Miami, have been painstakingly laser-scanned, resulting in improved accuracy of kerbs and surrounding environments. This technology, previously reserved for hardcore racing simulators, adds a new layer of realism for purists. Handling has been refined for a more approachable and enjoyable experience, striking a balance between realism and accessibility. However, these updates apply on only five venues.

Not everything is a grand slam. The addition of reverse track layouts for Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Red Bull Ring, while initially fun, may quickly lose its appeal. Similarly, the F1 World mode remains a confusing maze of menus, failing to deliver on its promise of quick races and engaging progression. But as one review puts it, "Mercifully, the My Team, Driver Career and Braking Point modes are so compelling that you can ignore these fripperies almost entirely..."

Ultimately, whether F1 25 warrants the upgrade depends on your priorities. The return of Braking Point, the refreshed My Team mode, and the improved handling make it a worthwhile jump for sim racing fans. The question is, with Formula 1 set for regulation changes in 2026, will the next game be built completely from scratch?.

What are your thoughts on the F1 25? Will you be picking it up? Let us know in the comments below!

• Codemasters
• EA Sports
• F1 25