F1 23 Review

The time is upon us once again when we get to become a driver in what is considered to be the absolute pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. F1 23 launches with the promise of a much-upgraded driving experience from the engine under the hood, along with the continuation of the “Braking Point” story we got to see the first part of in F1 2021. So let’s stick on a set of fresh tyres and get to racing.

A game like F1 23’s playability hangs on how it performs the aspect that makes up the core of its gameplay, and that’s driving. Previous titles in the franchise have had a decent handling model, but in more heated moments, it was hard to predict at times when a loss of control was incoming. However, here in 23, you can really attack the corners more confidently as the handling is so much more predictable. This is thanks to changes around the physics engine, as well as how the throttle responds to your inputs. It feels much more rewarding being able to take corners flat out that you previously couldn’t (I’m looking at you, Copse). The F2 feeder series cars also feel more planted, which made cruising around Scheivlak at Zandvoort in the Braking Point 2 story put a smile on my face with each lap due to just how predictable the car was under braking and acceleration, leading to a smooth-flowing corner. I played most of my time with a Fanatec DD1, Clubsport V3 pedals, and McLaren GT3 rim, and I have to say this is the best I’ve felt an F1 title achieve in terms of driving. I don’t tend to use a controller much for racing, but here, Codemasters have added what they call PrecisionDrive for controller players, and whilst my driving was certainly not as smooth as it’d be on the wheel, it did feel like a smoother experience overall compared to hopping back to F1 22 for comparison.

One of the more notable aspects is the return of the Braking Point story — it was a surprise hit for me back in F1 2021, to the point where I found myself unable to put it down at the time. You’ll meet faces new and old, with the quality of characters and voice-overs improving quite substantially in the cutscenes over 2021’s outing. Setup in a not-too-dissimilar fashion to the Netflix series Drive to Survive (perhaps even more so this year), you’ll be following the career of Aiden Jackson once more and how he fits into the new team on the grid, Konnersport Racing. You’ll also be giving the orders from up top as team principal Andreo Konner to decide how the team runs throughout. These choices sit on top of one another, and aspects of one will have repercussions on choices later down the road. I wish not to spoil any of the story mode for those yet to play it, but it’s a welcome return for the series.

Along with the return of the story and the improved handling, we’re also getting the addition of red flags this time out, something that has been missing from the franchise for way too long, especially with how we’ve seen them dramatically change the potential outcome of races over the last couple of years.

What was previously known as “F1 Life” in F1 22 has matured to become “F1 World”, which is also where non-career-based modes sit, such as one-off races, multiplayer, and time trial. This threw me for a bit of a loop when I first launched, as I’d usually gravitate towards the time trial mode to ensure my wheel is set up correctly before diving in, so it being hidden behind what I initially thought was just the cosmetics and trophies section of the previous game was slightly jarring. But when you move into that section, it all makes sense due to the new events and challenges that are contained within. By completing these events, you’ll up your Tech Level allowing you to upgrade your car for future races. The “My Team” and career modes also make a return, but at this point, they’re tried and tested, so barring the new tracks and flags, there’s not a whole lot new here to talk about.

Graphically, the game is the best it has ever looked, which is a testament to the fact that earlier iterations already looked great. Somehow the Las Vegas circuit is here and looking amazing, despite there being no actual race held there as of yet, so there’s no reference material available of what the actual circuit will be, so kudos to Codemasters for pulling that one out of the bag. You’ll be able to drive the circuit well before any of the real-world drivers do (unless they also play F1 23, of course), which feels all kinds of backwards, given how racing games are usually always tied to circuits that already exist.

Audibly too, the game sounds fantastic, with its pumping electronic soundtrack being full to the brim with great tracks that serve to amp you up for a race. I’ll always say I miss the sound of the old V12 engines screaming around the track, but these days my ears are probably glad that I’m not pumping that directly into them for an hour or so straight per race. This highlights an interesting accessibility feature available in F1 23 in that it caters for those that suffer from tinnitus, having a filter available that will reduce certain frequencies that can cause additional anguish for those with the condition. A neat little addition that I’ve not seen elsewhere before.

Overall, I think both the casual and the hardcore crowd will greatly enjoy what’s in F1 23, from the new handling and physics to the return of the story mode and features like red flags, making this the most comprehensive Formula 1 game to date.