Electronic Arts has fired up the engines with the release of F1 25, the official game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, it’s a bold attempt to blend immersive storytelling, lifelike racing, and new layers of customisation. So, does it hold up?
Familiar Foundations with a Few Fresh Twists
At first glance, F1 25 feels like a greatest hits collection: there’s My Team 2.0 for the managerial types, a revamped Braking Point story mode, and a real-world tie-in with Apple’s upcoming racing film, F1 THE MOVIE. In theory, that’s plenty of content to keep petrolheads glued to their screens.
The standout addition is the third chapter of Braking Point. It promises more drama and even multiple endings – a nice nod to player agency.
If you’re after a soap opera behind the wheel, this will scratch that itch. My Team 2.0 also deserves a mention: running your own operation down to the last pit stop detail is as satisfying as ever, though it’s hardly a game-changer.
Driving the Difference
Where F1 25 really steps up is its laser-accurate tracks. Using LIDAR data from actual race weekends, tracks like Bahrain, Miami, and Suzuka are recreated with pinpoint precision – you’ll feel every bump and slope.
The physics improvements, reportedly tested by real esports drivers, do add to the immersion. The handling feels tighter, more responsive, and just that bit more real.
But let’s not pretend it’s perfect. The reliance on DLC – especially for F1 THE MOVIE content – leaves a sour taste. If you want the full experience, be ready to pay extra. And while the Decal Editor is a nice touch for customisation fans, it’s hardly revolutionary.
A Love Letter to Racing Fans – With Caveats
There’s no doubt F1® 25 is built by people who love the sport. The attention to detail is obvious, from the scanned tracks to the sponsor liveries that look ready for prime time.
But it still feels like an evolution, not a revolution. The core of the game hasn’t changed dramatically. If you’re coming from F1 24, it might not feel like a massive leap forward.
For die-hard fans of the sport – the ones who live for the thrill of the grid and the scent of burning rubber – F1 25 is a solid pick.
It’s polished, brimming with content, and captures the spirit of the sport. For casual gamers or those with last year’s edition, though, it’s a harder sell.
EA Play** members get a 5-hour Trial, score a monthly 5000 XP boost, and can save 10% on EA digital purchases, including PitCoin, full game, and DLC.
More details on EA Play. F1® 25 Iconic Edition owners receive a number of perks linked to F1® THE MOVIE producer Lewis Hamilton, F3 Driver Icons Pack, 18,000 Pitcoin and much more.
F1 THE MOVIE chapter scenarios are available to F1 25 Standard Edition players through the purchase of the DLC pack, available now for purchase and playable in-game beginning June 30.
Verdict: A Must for F1 Die-Hards, Less So for the Rest
F1 25 is a polished, feature-rich racer that hits most of the right notes. It won’t blow you away with innovation, but it’s a solid entry in the franchise and a sure bet for anyone hooked on Formula One.
If you’re itching to manage a team, live out the Braking Point drama, or fine-tune your livery, there’s plenty to enjoy. Just be ready for the inevitable DLC pitch along the way.
