With the release of EA Sports F1 25 just around the corner, anticipation is running high among racing game enthusiasts. Set to hit the tracks on May 30, this installment promises enhancements and fresh features that cater to both newcomers and seasoned players. Recently, I had the chance to chat with the developers at EA Codemasters about what’s in store for fans of the franchise.
Gavin Cooper, the Creative Director at EA Codemasters, shared some insights with me. “We’re never short of feedback,” he says, acknowledging the importance of community input in shaping this year’s new features. Feedback doesn’t just come from official sources like forums, but also from Esports drivers and content creators who had early access to F1 25 during its development phase.
The collective feedback has resulted in sweeping improvements across the board. From car handling to a slicker TV-style presentation, and even doubling the real driver voiceovers, the authenticity level is off the charts. Gavin enthuses, “Hearing the real drivers’ voices as you’re playing really brings a degree of authenticity to the experience.” He’s particularly excited about the increased number of voice lines and the dynamic interactions between drivers and race engineers, which add layers of realism and excitement.
For those who found the engine sounds in the My Team mode repetitive, Gavin assures us that this has been addressed. “You’re now able to attach the correct audio to the different engine suppliers, so depending on which supplier you pick, it’ll actually make your car sound different. That’s something I know people have wanted for a long time.”
### Your very own dream team
The My Team mode has received a big makeover that will likely thrill fans. Instead of playing as the owner-driver, you are now tasked with managing two drivers, which presents an array of strategic decisions. “We know being an owner-driver is not authentic to the sport,” Gavin notes. “But now having to manage two drivers opens up a lot of interesting decisions for the player.” From contract negotiations to upgrading strategies, choosing between your drivers introduces a new layer of complexity.
You’re not just racing during the weekends—balancing team facilities, relationship dynamics, and R&D efforts now plays into how your team is perceived. Plus, the expanded sponsor systems and the ability to recruit iconic drivers into AI teams give you more to work with than ever before.
### Braking Point drives the narrative experience forward
And for those who love the Braking Point story mode, there’s a lot to look forward to. “We’re always looking for ways to increase the players’ impact on the narrative,” Gavin says. This time, key events allow you to choose between the two available Konnersport drivers, and your choices lead to ripple effects impacting the race objectives and story outcomes. It’s an ambitious expansion, full of branching narratives intricately woven into the main story by a dedicated development team.
Once you complete Braking Point, a cool new feature lets you bring your Konnersport team into Career Mode. With so many options on how to engage with the game, F1 25 ensures a versatile experience. As Gavin puts it, there’s a whole matrix of possibilities—from playing as an official driver to opting for a custom setup and diving into the My Team scenarios.
### Immersive details at every turn
The game’s creators haven’t skimped on the finer details, either. A revamped decal editor, customizable driver number fonts, and LIDAR-enhanced track simulations make for a truly immersive experience. And, for a new twist, you can now race around Silverstone, Zandvoort, and Austria in reverse layouts across various modes. Gavin laughs, “It really spins people’s heads out a little, having a very different experience in a familiar location.”
Creating each iteration of F1 is a meticulous process, comparable to the complexities of orchestrating an actual racing season. The development team is divided between those who focus on even-year games and those who handle the odd-year releases. “We started a central team that works on the stuff that we do every year, like handling and AI,” Gavin explains. This structure allows them to focus on key features and ensure seamless communication and teamwork across the board.
Like the top F1 teams, this approach thrives on high-caliber teamwork and precise execution. Prepare for an immersive racing experience when EA Sports F1 25 launches on PlayStation 5 come May 30.
