In recent weeks we have revealed the main innovations of F1 24, the official video game dedicated to Formula 1. In this year’s edition the developers have focused on three main aspects: an incremental improvement of the physics engine, some pleasant additions to the career and increased immersion with the review of some circuits and the authenticity of the drivers. Now we have finally had the opportunity to try the software created by Codemasters firsthand so that we can offer you our immediate opinion while waiting for the upcoming review.
We climbed into the cockpit of the fantastic Formula 1 single-seaters, grabbed the steering wheel and took to the track to see what the Codemasters developers had told us. Are you curious to find out if the promises were actually kept?
Finally the real Silverstone and SPA
Typically the first thing you do in a video game like F1 24 once you reach the main menu is find the fastest way to get on the track. The best way to do this is clearly the Time Trial in which we can simply do some fast laps without any particular preparations, qualifications or opponents to beat. Although the undersigned, purely as a matter of personal preference, always tends to try the circuit of the Principality of Monaco first, this year curiosity pushed me to land in the homeland of Formula 1, more precisely the historic circuit of Silverstone. This is because the English track was completely revised by the developers to try to replicate not only the legendary curves such as Copse, Maggotts and Becketts, but also every single curb, bump or dip present along the almost six kilometers of track.
Before leaving the pit lane, we reviewed the onboard of Max Verstappen’s lap which took him to pole position at Silverstone in 2023. During the launch lap we therefore focused not so much on the performances, but on the beauty of the track, being able appreciate many details both close to the ideal trajectory and behind the barriers between grandstands, paddocks and other characteristic elements of Silverstone. The developers have certainly done a good job, not only with the English track, but also with SPA, undoubtedly another of the most loved and challenging tracks in the championship. The Belgian circuit, also known as the “Formula 1 university”, has been heavily revised in recent years and we have finally been able to race on a track that faithfully reflects the real one.
Seeking the limit of the single-seater
We have just clocked up the first kilometers on board the 2024 single-seaters, so we are not yet ready to express our definitive opinion on the new driving model. Following a disappointing F1 22 where the physics were difficult to interpret when looking for the limits of the single-seaters, F1 23 has definitely taken a notable step forward. F1 24 wants to improve what was already seen in the last edition, going to looking for that constant feedback from the car towards the hands of the gamer. When we want to maintain a constant race pace to try to preserve the life of the tires and still score fast laps, we necessarily have to have full control of our car.
From our first hours of play, the driving model of F1 24 seems exactly like what we just said: one slightly modified and improved version of F1 23. Now the car is perceived differently, the sensation of racing at high speed is much more pronounced and the much-hated “porpoising” effect is noticeable, i.e. the bouncing of the car when you are at full throttle. Currently we still have too few laps behind us to be able to judge whether these changes are real improvements or not. However, what we can tell you straight away is that if you were expecting an experience completely different from what you have already seen, you will probably be very disappointed.
F1 24 therefore remains a game with one strong arcade component in the driving model, which differs from other simulators such as Assetto Corsa or iRacing. As already highlighted in the past in our reviews of Codemasters titles, this should not necessarily be seen as a flaw, because in this way the game is certainly much more accessible.
Continuing to live the legend
Among the innovations introduced this year for the beloved Career mode there is also the possibility of being able to take on the role of a real Formula 1 driver. In the past, in fact, we were forced to create our own virtual alter ego and compete with him in one or more Formula 1 seasons. Now, however, we can impersonate Lewis Hamilton to try to win the coveted eighth world title, or Charles Leclerc to bring back the drivers’ title in Maranello with his SF-24. However, in our test we dared even more, selecting a true legend like Michael Schumacher. There is no denying that seeing the Kaiser dressed in red again made us very emotional and we are sure that many of you will be able to experience similar sensations by impersonating your idol from F1, from Senna to Prost, passing through the more recent Hakkinen or Massa.
The real novelty in terms of game modes, however, is represented by Career Challenges. These are timed events, proposed and constantly updated directly by the Codemasters developers. Every week or so we will have to take on the role of a real F1 driver and face a portion of the championship in two or three consecutive races. Between one race and another we will also have to develop our car, monitor our rivalries and try to achieve the set objectives. In fact, the developers took Career Mode and cut it into small portions, adding a few more challenges to make it even more engaging. For example, in our first race we were in Verstappen’s shoes and we had to face the Suzuka GP with an engine defect.
For the moment we have only managed to take a quick look at what F1 24 has to offer. The feeling that this latest chapter of the Codemasters series has given us is that of a further step forward compared to the past. Therefore, do not expect major upheavals, but rather a refinement of what has already been seen with previous editions. We appreciated the additions made, such as the new revisited circuits or the possibility of taking on the role of a real Formula 1 driver. However, we are still very doubtful about the actual overall value of these additions for a video game that seems to offer little compared to the past a decidedly important price. However, we will postpone this judgment until our review of F1 24.
