Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the 2021 British Grand Prix may have inspired you to want some Formula 1 action in your own home.
Helpfully, the new F1 2021 video game has just been released. As the official game of the Formula 1 World Championship, F1 2021 is meant to accurately reflect the action on track.
We undertook the tough job of testing out the latest racing game, to see if it deserves to claim pole position in your console.
Exceeding track limits
Spare a thought for Codemasters, the creators of F1 2021. Coronavirus has played havoc with the 2021 Formula 1 calendar, making it more difficult to build a racing game that accurately replicates the championship.
Missing circuits will be added through downloadable content, meaning players will not miss out on Jeddah, Portimao, and Imola. Other tracks, such as Melbourne, Catalunya and Abu Dhabi are presented in 2020 form, rather than their updated 2021 layouts.
At least every team and driver that started the 2021 season is present and correct, with their performance ratings already a talking point.
Hitting the Braking Point
Like many leading sports games, F1 2021 features a dramatic story mode branded ‘Braking Point’. Described as offering ‘epic racing, off-track drama, and stunning cut-scenes’, it follows the contrasting fortunes of fictional drivers.
A great amount of effort has been dedicated to Braking Point, even down to replicating real-world social media accounts. Beginning with the FIA Formula 2 championship, it spans multiple seasons.
The story itself will feel fanciful to Formula 1 regulars, invoking the kind of drama the producers of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series could only dream about.
Driving to survive?
Braking Point is perhaps not the game changer Codemasters hoped it would be, but it still serves a purpose. For those new to F1 games, it can be an effective tutorial, introducing key concepts in a structured way.
Being broken down into bite-size chapters does make it easy to play, without needing the commitment of a full season.
Once completed, there is little replay appeal, not least given the multitude of additional career modes to experiment with.
My Team, my rules
One of the standout features continued from last year’s F1 2020 game is the ‘My Team’ format. If you have ever dreamt of starting your own Formula 1 team, and starring as its leading driver, this is the game mode for you.
Pick a name, a livery, even the style of your team’s overalls, and compete for glory. Sponsorship deals need to be managed, car development undertaken and second drivers chosen.
Although not an intensive management simulator, it does add an extra degree of interaction. Playing as a modern-day Bruce McLaren, there is genuine pleasure in fighting to see a team you have built score points.
Multiple career routes available
Other career modes include a single-player season mode that accurately follows the 2021 Formula 1 Championship. Players can create their own driver, and dive into a season tailored to their skill level.
There is the option to run a full-length race weekend, or a condensed package should you be short on time. Race distances, and the length of time spent on practice and qualifying can all be adjusted to suit.
Updated standings will reflect the season in real-time, allowing players to try and change the course of history.
F1 2021 also includes a novel two-player career option. Using the online multi-player function, you and a friend can join the same team, or compete against each other, across a complete season.
Online multi-player and Esports
There are other extensive online multiplayer options available for F1 2021, offering players the chance to earn their very own Super Licence. Custom car designs and helmets ensure you can stand out on the grid.
Undertaking fast, but fair, racing against online competitors helps build your reputation. Weekly events offer new scenarios and challenges, while custom leagues can be made with friends.
F1 2021 will form the basis for the latest season of the official Formula 1 Esports Series. This offers top players the chance to become part of an official F1 team, and take part in a glamorous tournament to be crowned the ultimate champion.
Performance over looks
Compared to the photorealism of Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon, the F1 franchise of games have traditionally lagged behind on graphical perfection. F1 2021 undoubtedly looks better than before, but there is still no doubt that you are looking at a video game.
Lighting effects on a HDR-compatible system are notably neat, though. The glare of floodlights in Bahrain, or the sunlight filtering through the trees in Melbourne, manage to impress.
Played on a Microsoft Xbox One X, there was no frame rate slowdown or pop-up issues. While F1 2021 might not be the outright prettiest game, it delivers speed on track.
Only the faces of the drivers are a notable criticism. Some F1 contenders are likely to be unimpressed by their virtual likenesses outside of the Braking Point cut-scenes.
Handling the pressure
Although it accurately reflects the Formula 1 World Championship, F1 2021 delivers accessible handling. Not intended as an outright simulation, gamers should not be intimidated by driving a modern F1 car, with multiple assists and driver aids to simplify the experience.
Casual, Standard, and Expert modes offer varying levels of difficulty for races. Harder settings can deliver a proper challenge, and are likely to result in the ‘Flashback’ feature being used to undo collisions and trips across the gravel.
Support for racing wheels and pedals is included, with players able to customise and calibrate their setups. There is no disadvantage to playing with a traditional control pad though, meaning casual gamers are not penalised.
Taking the chequered flag
Despite all the innovations and extra features, F1 2021 can feel less generous. Previous games have featured an array of historic cars to drive, but these are noticeably absent from this year’s iteration.
Instead, only F1 cars from the 2021 season, and F2 cars from 2020, are available to use.
Codemasters does offer a Deluxe Edition of F1 2021. This brings F1 icons, such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, to the My Team mode. Players can then sign them as a second driver, meaning you could be teammates with a legend of the sport.
Getting the Deluxe Edition takes the price of F1 2021 to £74.99 ($74.99), compared to the standard cost of £59.99 ($59.99).
F1 2021 is currently available on the Microsoft Xbox One & Xbox Series S/X, Sony PlayStation 4 and 5, and PC.
Verdict: F1 2021
As with many sports video games, year-to-year changes are incremental. F1 2021 is no different, making small tweaks and improvements, rather than being a radical redesign.
The graphics are better, the handling is more balanced, and the whole experience feels slick and professional.
Diehard Formula 1 fans are likely to buy it regardless, needing to have the latest teams, circuits, and driver ratings. For casual gamers, who have bought a recent game in the F1 franchise, there is maybe less incentive to buy this year’s instalment.
Overall, F1 2021 nails its brief of delivering the Formula 1 World Championship experience. As a result, it is worthy of taking a grid spot in your collection.
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