F1 25: Exciting Features and Release Date Announced
EA Sports has unveiled F1 25, highlighting a variety of significant enhancements set for the game’s launch on 30 May 2025. Developed by Codemasters, this anticipated title is expected to offer an improved driving experience, with advancements in graphics, customisation, and realism, marking the most substantial update to the franchise in recent times.
Real-World Accuracy with LIDAR-Scanned Tracks
A key improvement in F1 25 is its visual quality, introducing LIDAR-scanned circuits for renowned tracks like Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka, and Imola. LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, captures vast amounts of data points, significantly enhancing realism.
Off-track elements have also been upgraded. The trees and foliage align more closely with their actual counterparts, representing regional species, such as cherry blossoms in Suzuka, while surface changes, including the smoothing of Silverstone’s Wellington Straight, have been made more precise.
F1 25 utilizes LIDAR scanning for tracks
Reverse Layouts for Iconic Tracks
For the first instance in the franchise, F1 25 will introduce reverse layouts for several iconic circuits, such as Silverstone, the Red Bull Ring, and Zandvoort. This addition presents a completely new challenge for seasoned players.
Path Tracing on PC and 8K Support on PS5 Pro
The PC version of F1 25 will feature path tracing, enabling more accurate lighting and reflections, which will be accessible under the “Ultra Max” graphics setting, ensuring that F1 25 serves as a visual highlight for high-end gaming PCs.
Console gamers will enjoy 8K resolution on the PlayStation 5 Pro, guaranteeing that every detail, from vehicle textures to trackside barriers, is presented with exceptional clarity. Additionally, PS5 Pro users will experience smoother split-screen gameplay running at 60fps.
Smarter AI and More Dynamic Racing
The AI competitors in F1 25 have received a significant upgrade. They now exhibit greater awareness of their track position, skillfully defend and overtake, and manage DRS and ERS usage akin to real-life racers, providing a less predictable and more authentic racing challenge.
New Features and Improvements
Beyond the major updates, F1 25 incorporates several other noteworthy features:
- A new Decal Editor that empowers players to design custom liveries, offering unprecedented creative freedom.
- Introduction of new events in F1 World mode, providing extra challenges and rewards for participants.
- Refined engine sounds that enhance the immersive experience of the gameplay.
- Updated roster for the 2025 season featuring Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and six new rookies.
- Reanimated podium celebrations using motion-driven cameras for enhanced realism.
- More noticeable visual traces left by off-track pick-up, such as grass or gravel, impacting grip.
- NVIDIA Audio2Face technology facilitates more expressive facial animations in interviews and cutscenes.
- New rule changes implemented, including Monaco’s mandatory two-stop strategy and the elimination of fastest lap points.
Release Details
F1 25 is set to be released worldwide on 30 May 2025. Players who pre-order the Iconic Edition will gain up to three days of early access and bonus content related to cover star Lewis Hamilton and Apple Original Films’ F1 feature film.
