MKAU Gaming was recently invited to an exclusive digital event, giving us a sneak peek at what is in store for the new F1 25, set to release later this year. From what we’ve seen so far, it’s clear the team at Codemasters has been hard at work, pushing the boundaries on realism and gameplay and listening to the passionate F1 community. There are some impressive updates in store.

The biggest overhaul in F1 25 is My Team 2.0, a complete rewrite of the fan-favourite mode that will redefine how players experience My Team. The concept of “Driver, Owner” has been retired, and you now take the role of team owner, shifting the focus to a more authentic management experience. This means handling every facet of your team’s operations. You get to manage both the drivers and deliver them strategic decisions that shape the team’s trajectory throughout the season.

A new “Team Progression System” has been introduced, adding depth and long-term goals to the season. Your team’s growth is no longer just tied to podium finishes but also to the ability to win those team vs team rivalries that are the most fun. At the same time, you need to ensure you keep the action on the track and that you are impressing other teams and higher-ups around the paddock. You are also now expected to negotiate contracts with the drivers and, when their performance dips, make the tough calls to replace them if needed to remain competitive in the season.

I was a big fan of the “Team HQ”, which will evolve dynamically throughout the season based on decisions you are making for the team. How you manage your workforce and operations impact everything from branding, activity scheduling, population and scale.

You need to keep a balance for the team, but you must keep under the cost cap for the season, as overspending can be a major setback. You don’t need to do it all alone if it sounds daunting, as you will have facility heads to assist you with the decisions, which adds a realistic approach.

The R&D system has been overhauled and no longer has a linear process. Still, you are now tasked with researching, developing, and manufacturing the parts and then making the decision on how to distribute said parts. You can give them to both drivers and upgrade both vehicles, or you can just give them to one driver. However, make sure you are not showing favouritism to one driver, as this can have serious consequences, and the drivers might start feeling undervalued and start searching elsewhere for a team.

The sponsorship side of things also received a great update, which allows more function with the sponsors, as you would find in real life. You will build strong relationships with your sponsors over time, which will come back and offer you unique benefits and customisation options like never before. I’m keen to see how well this feature works with My Team.

There is plenty of flexibility when it comes to hiring drivers for your team, and it’s not locked with just current drivers. You could hire icons like the legendary Micheal Schumacher or choose from returning favourites. If you are a fan of Braking Point, you can even sign the drivers from Konnersport. There will be some exciting integration from the upcoming F1 movie, including characters from the film, but that is all we’ve been told so far.

Presentation & YOY Updates

It’s not only the gameplay that has seen a major overhaul. The developers have gone all in for realism, especially regarding the tracks. Utilising LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, the team has enhanced shaders and overhauled vegetation, so gone are the days of generic-looking trees. Each tree’s species is accurately represented, giving every circuit its own identity now.  The tracks themselves have been scanned for an accurate 2025 season. If that update was not enough, reverse running tracks have also been added, and with the launch, Silverstone, Austria, and Zandvoort are the three currently supporting reverse configurations.

Driver numbers are now fully adjustable in both colour and styling, which gives players their personal flair beyond liveries. Speaking of liveries, the editor has received an update bringing cars even closer to their real-world counterparts. Additionally, special edition liveries inspired by official team designs can now be used like before but much easier.

F1 World is back, introducing a collaborative mode to shake things up. Each invitational now requires a one-time key to enter a multiplayer race where players team up to compete against AI. The main goal is to collectively rack up as many points as possible to unlock rewards. A revamped UI makes highlighting the things that matter and connecting positive players easier, encouraging a more social and team-oriented racing experience.

Other notable updates include an improved flashback system, which was quietly refreshed but worth noting, and a stunning new path-traced lighting (exclusive to PC high-end rigs) for PC players. Unfortunately, consoles and lower-spec PC users will miss out on this visual treat. Audio has also been given some attention, especially in qualifying, which now features more real-world driver dialogue over the radio. The pool of authentic driver voice lines has been doubled, making the whole experience more immersive, like you’re watching it on TV.

Braking Point 3

Braking Point is back and better than ever with its third instalment, Braking Point 3. This time, the stakes are higher than ever, with the story shifting its focus to battling for the championship. Players will be able to dive into the narrative with familiar faces, giving us more to the story we’ve learnt over the previous two games. The legacy of Konnersport hangs in the balance, and it’s up to you to fight for the ultimate prize: the championship.

I was quite excited to see the major change in Braking Point 3 with expanded player choices. You now choose who from Konnersport you want to drive as. That decision alone does not control only who is driving but also affects on-track objectives, storyline narrative and alternative endings. This adds a whole new layer of replayability for those who want to see both. The developers listened to all those pro drivers by adding four difficulty levels, making the hardest mode even more intense, and I know I won’t be selecting that mode.

I’ve always been a fan of technology, and it’s quite apparent that Codemasters is trying their hardest to make this the most immersive, realistic year to date. Utilising NIVDIA Audio2Face, the “Meet The Press” system now looks so much better. Instead of looking over the shoulder of the racer, it goes face-on with them for a more immersive feel. Depending on your response, the face will animate to that, making them lifelike like never before.

Returning players will rejoice when you finish Braking Point 3. You can use a carry-over transition to Career mode by using Konnersport racers, so you can make your career with familiar faces, which does the job of trying to find drivers a piece of cake for those who want to dive straight into the action.

Written by: Hayden Nelson