F1 25 Review

F1 25 takes the franchise to new heights with refined handling, greater realism, and an engaging Braking Point 3 story, my full review.

From the roar of the engines to the split-second strategic calls, F1 25 is Codemasters' boldest and most complete take on Formula 1 to date. As a long-time fan of the franchise and the sport, dating back to the golden Schumacher-Ferrari days, this year’s release fires on nearly all cylinders. F1 25 pushes current-gen hardware to deliver an intense, immersive racing experience that blends realism, innovation, and some great narrative flair. While there are a few bumps on the track, F1 25 belongs in the winner’s circle. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this season’s entry such a standout.

F1 25 Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 Pro

Developer: Codemasters

Publisher: EA Sports

Genre: Racing Simulation

Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Precision-Engineered Gameplay

At its core, F1 25 nails the on-track responsiveness, making it pure fun to hop into the cockpit every time. Thanks to refinements to the handling model, the cars now respond more intuitively than ever. The improved tire physics make every compound and weather change count. You can feel grip levels ebb and flow based on tire wear and track temperature—subtle details that make a major difference, especially when racing on the edge. The controls feel dialled-in, allowing for tighter cornering and more aggressive driving without sacrificing control. It's rewarding for veterans, but also more accessible for new racers, thanks to adaptive settings and customizable assists.

F1 25 Nails Dynamic Track Conditions

The dynamic weather and evolving track conditions add an unpredictable edge. On one lap you’re charging through Monza in the dry, and the next, you’re making a split-second call to switch to intermediates as rain begins to pour. That level of immersion—and the tension it creates—elevates every race. It was great to have this level of tension, along with the agency for strategic decision-making, which really gives me the “Drive to Survive” feel in a video game. Even better, AI drivers are sharper, more reactive, and more aggressive this time around. They’ll challenge you for track position, punish your mistakes, and actually drive like competitors instead of placeholders. The wheel-to-wheel combat is some of the best the series has seen, and on higher difficulty settings, they offer a tough challenge.

LIDAR-Scanned Tracks Deliver Pinpoint Realism

In this year’s entry, Codemasters has laser-scanned five circuits—Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola—using LIDAR tech for a hyper-realistic recreation of every bump, curb, and elevation change. It’s impressive, but the limited rollout makes the non-scanned tracks feel dated by comparison. Everything looks great. I was hoping for that next step up with authenticity, having all the season’s tracks scanned. Here’s hoping future entries expand this technology to the full grid.

F1 25: New Takes on Familiar Tracks

Reverse track layouts make their debut in F1 25, allowing you to tackle iconic circuits like Silverstone and Zandvoort in an entirely new way. It’s a clever addition that offers a refreshing twist—though the novelty wears off quickly for purists looking to stick to official F1 configurations. It’s more “fun mode” than foundational, but a nice optional feature for those seeking variety. This also extends to only three tracks: Silverstone, Zandvoort, and the Red Bull Ring. As this was a headlining feature for F1 25, I was hoping to see it used on the entire roster of circuits from the 2025 season.

Braking Point 3 Brings the Drama

Braking Point returns with another soap opera-meets-sport campaign, this time focusing on the fictional Konnersport Racing Team. I found the dialogue to be far more interactive, with choice-driven outcomes, and strong performances. The story mode rivals the real-world drama of “Drive to Survive,” which I think will resonate particularly with many players, especially those new to the franchise. It's a welcome change of pace from traditional sim racing, offering a surprisingly emotional connection to its characters.

Hollywood Hits the Grid

A creative crossover with the upcoming F1 film starring Brad Pitt is also woven into F1 25 through inspired challenges and cosmetic content. These quick scenarios add a bit of Hollywood flair to the otherwise grounded experience. I didn’t get to try all these sections as many are locked and show that Codemasters isn’t afraid to blur the lines between real-world culture and simulation sport and I’m here for it.

Team Building 2.0

The revamped My Team mode now casts you as a team principal managing a two-driver lineup. You’ll handle contract negotiations, budget balancing, and navigating team dynamics with more flexibility than ever before. Whether you're a number-cruncher or a personality manager, there's plenty of room to shape your F1 empire.You can even add an 11th team to the grid, including film-inspired teams like APXGP, expanding the possibilities for a more personalized and dynamic career mode.

High-Speed Visuals and Sound

On PS5 Pro, F1 25 hits a smooth 60 FPS with sharp visuals and crisp lighting. Dynamic weather looks great and affects gameplay in tangible ways, while LIDAR-enhanced tracks boast ultra-accurate surfaces and surroundings. Rain-slicked asphalt reflects light convincingly, and the spray from nearby cars feels appropriately chaotic.

Audio-wise, the game improves on nearly every front: engine sounds are deeper and more distinctive, commentary now includes Naomi Schiff, and radio chatter is significantly more varied. All of it helps immerse you in the moment, whether you're leading the pack or clawing back from 20th.

Final Thoughts on F1 25

F1 25 isn’t just a visual update—it’s a carefully tuned, smartly layered sim racer that respects both casual fans and hardcore paddock veterans. While some of the additions (like reverse layouts and limited LIDAR use) feel like partial steps, the core experience remains excellent.

If you're looking for a game that captures the razor-thin margins and relentless drama of Formula 1, F1 25 delivers a commanding performance worthy of the podium.

Overall Assessment of F1 25

Gameplay: 4.5/5

Graphics: 4.5/5

Sound: 4.5/5

Replayability: 4/5

Overall: 4/5 (80%)

F1 25 PROS

+Refined handling and tire physics

+LIDAR-scanned tracks enhance realism

+Engaging Braking Point 3 narrative

+Deeper, more strategic "My Team Mode"

F1 25 CONS

-Only 5 tracks benefit from LIDAR scanning

-Reverse layouts are limited and mostly novelty

-Some management mechanics may overwhelm newcomers

The publisher provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.

---

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

---

dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a way for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.