F1 2021 first impressions – Racing just hit a new gear

F1 2021 delivers championship-level racing with groundbreaking new story and multiplayer modes

Introduction

Marking Codemasters’ 12th installment in the franchise, F1 2021 represents a significant leap forward for virtual Formula 1 racing. As the first release under EA Sports’ stewardship, the game combines technical precision with unprecedented accessibility, offering both veteran sim racers and newcomers an authentic motorsport experience.

The 2021 Formula 1 season has delivered thrilling action on track, and this digital counterpart captures that excitement with remarkable fidelity. Our hands-on experience reveals substantial improvements across multiple aspects of the racing simulation.Annual sports titles face unique development challenges, as real-world sports evolve gradually. Many developers fall into the trap of making unnecessary changes simply to justify a new release.Codemasters and EA Sports have avoided this pitfall, building upon F1 2020’s strong foundation while introducing meaningful innovations. The result is a title that surpasses its predecessor in visual quality, audio immersion, and driving dynamics.With groundbreaking features like the narrative-driven Braking Point mode and cooperative Career Mode, F1 2021 sets a new standard for racing simulations.

Championship-Quality Gameplay

The core racing experience in F1 2021 demonstrates Codemasters’ mastery of vehicle physics. Building on last year’s improvements, the handling model now provides more nuanced feedback through the controller or wheel. Mistakes carry greater consequences – oversteer and understeer significantly impact lap times, rewarding precision driving.Three key accessibility features make the game approachable for all skill levels:

  • Casual Mode: Simplified controls for quick, enjoyable races
  • Expert Mode: Unlocks advanced racing features for simulation purists
  • Adaptive AI: Dynamic difficulty that adjusts to player performance

Next-gen console players benefit from reduced loading times, ray tracing, and 4K resolution support. The audio design deserves special praise – engine notes resonate with visceral intensity, while tire squeal and gear changes provide crucial auditory feedback.

Braking Point Story Mode

Inspired by Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series, Braking Point delivers Formula 1’s first proper story campaign. This three-season narrative begins in F2 (2019 season) before progressing to Formula 1, with players assuming the role of rookie Aiden Jackson.Five midfield teams are available (Aston Martin, AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo, Haas, and Williams), each with unique performance characteristics that affect the story’s progression. The drama unfolds through rivalries with characters like antagonist Devon Butler, returning from F1 2019, and team principal Brian Doyle.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to team radio messages – they often contain hints about upcoming rival moves and strategic opportunities.

Two-Player Career & Real Season

The returning MyTeam mode now supports cooperative play through Two-Player Career. Friends can either collaborate for their constructor championship or compete as rival drivers. Shared R&D progression adds strategic depth – partners must decide whether to pool resources or prioritize individual car development.Real Season Start synchronizes with the actual 2021 championship, allowing players to inherit a real driver’s points standing. The game dynamically updates car performance based on real-world team developments, though some players report occasional balancing issues with this feature.

Common Mistake: Avoid neglecting your teammate’s car development in co-op mode – an unbalanced team will struggle in the constructor standings.

Final Verdict

F1 2021 represents the series’ most complete package to date. While we only sampled five of the twenty-three circuits during our preview, each demonstrated remarkable attention to detail in both visual presentation and track characteristics.

F1 2021’s two-player Career Mode creates new competitive possibilities for racing fans. With its July 16 release approaching, F1 2021 promises to deliver across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. The Quick Practice mode and revamped UI streamline the experience for casual players, while the enhanced physics and expanded career options will satisfy simulation enthusiasts.

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