F1 25: First Look, New Features and Trailer Breakdown

The notification popped up: “Lewis Hamilton presents F1 25 by Codemasters and Electronic Arts.” I dropped the controller, left everything I was doing, and hit play immediately. That’s how it all began.

• F1 25

I don’t know if it was the sound of the engine, the lighting, or just nostalgia kicking in, but something clicked. Something I hadn’t felt since F1 21, back when Braking Point still gave me goosebumps and the hype felt real. So I watched the trailer frame by frame, read all the fine print on the pre-orders, and most of all, listened to that little voice inside that whispered, “maybe this time they’ll get it right.”

Here’s everything we know so far about F1 25 by Codemasters and Electronic Arts, told from the perspective of someone who’s been burned before… but still has hope.

Braking Point 3 – Story mode makes a dramatic return

One of the most exciting reveals from the trailer was the return of Braking Point, the story mode that took a break last year. And while some players find it cringeworthy or over-the-top, I’ve always secretly loved it.

This time, we’re back with the fictional team. And even though details are still scarce, it looks like we’ll once again dive into rivalries, scripted crashes, and melodramatic cutscenes straight out of a Saturday afternoon movie. Ridiculous? Sure. Entertaining? Absolutely.

Reverse Tracks – The unexpected twist we didn’t know we needed

About halfway through the trailer, I spotted something weird — Silverstone’s starting grid looked… reversed? Yep, it looks like F1 25 will feature reversed versions of existing tracks. A simple idea that could double the number of playable layouts without creating entirely new circuits.

So far, Silverstone and Red Bull Ring have been spotted in reverse mode. If this applies across the board, we’re talking about a massive increase in content. Lazy solution or clever one?

Depends how you see it. Personally, after the absolute lack of innovation in F1 24, I welcome anything new — even if it’s backwards.

Let’s just hope they’re available across all modes and not limited to random challenges. If they do it right, this could be a quiet revolution in the franchise.

Laser-Scanned Tracks and Visual Improvements – A long-awaited upgrade?

Every year we hear it: “The graphics are better than ever.” And every year we squint at pixelated kerbs and flat lighting wondering where the improvements went. But this time, F1 25 features new laser-scanned tracks for better accuracy and immersion.

Albert Park is confirmed, and yes — it looks solid in the preview. But not all tracks are laser-scanned yet, so the improvements might be uneven.

Familiar flaws still hanging around

Let’s be honest — if you’ve played the series for years, you’ve probably noticed the things that never change. The generic HUD. The dashboards on steering wheels that haven’t been updated in what feels like forever.

And based on the trailer, not much has changed. Once again, the official F1 game won’t feature authentic dashboards per team. Not even a decent imitation. It’s a small detail, but it matters — especially in a game that’s supposed to be the official simulation of the sport.

Editions, Prices, and Pre-Order Content

F1 25 launches on May 27, but only if you shell out for the €90 Icon Edition. If you’re on a budget (or principle), the standard edition unlocks 3 days later.

https://twitter.com/EASPORTSF1/status/1904564101008760894

As expected, the Icon Edition includes things that were removed from the base version: 75th Anniversary race suits, F1 TV Pro access (U.S. only), and some “iconic F3 drivers” — though actual Formula 3 support? Nowhere to be found.

It’s disappointing, especially since F3 was heavily rumored. Instead, we get a few drivers you can probably recruit in career mode. Cool, but far from the real thing.

Gameplay and Handling – The real question

Now for the big one: how will F1 25 feel to drive?

F1 23 was amazing in terms of physics and control. Then came F1 24 — arguably one of the biggest downgrades in racing game history. It was rough. If April’s next reveal brings news about “revolutionary” physics, remember: that’s what they told us before F1 24, too.

I’m not buying into the hype this time. Not until I’ve taken a corner at 200mph and felt the grip for myself.

Final Thoughts – Is F1 25 the comeback we’ve been waiting for?

So, here we are. F1 25 by Codemasters and Electronic Arts feels like an apology — or maybe a fresh start. There are genuine reasons to be excited (reversed tracks, Breaking Point 3, upgraded My Team), and just as many reasons to stay cautious.

Me? I’m cautiously optimistic. Half skeptical, half hopeful. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe I just love Formula 1 too much to give up.

See you on the track!