F1 25: The Official Game of the 2025 Formula 1 Season Arrives in Early Access
Early Access Launch and Platforms
On May 24, 2025, F1 25 entered early access as the official video game of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Developed by Codemasters and published by EA Sports, this entry breaks new ground in racing simulations by dropping support for eighth-generation consoles and focusing entirely on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC. Taking full advantage of next-gen hardware, F1 25 delivers unprecedented visuals and gameplay depth. Early access owners of the Iconic Edition have enjoyed a three-day head start since May 27, while the full release is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
Pre-Order Editions and Bonuses
Players can pre-order two versions of F1 25. The Standard Edition includes the F1 75 Celebration Pack, the F1 World Starter Pack, and 5 000 PitCoin. The Iconic Edition goes further, bundling Lewis Hamilton’s Iconic Pack, exclusive 2025 liveries in Time Trial mode, a one-month F1 TV Pro subscription (US only), the APXGP Team Pack, F1 THE MOVIE chapter scenarios, F3 Driver Icons, the F1 World Bumper Pack, and 18 000 PitCoin, plus three days of early access beginning May 27. Both editions are available via Steam, the PlayStation Store, and EA’s official site.
Revamped My Team Mode
F1 25’s biggest gameplay overhaul arrives in My Team mode. First introduced in 2020, My Team now grants players deeper control over their custom F1 team’s engineering, staffing, and commercial operations. You’ll make strategic calls on driver lineups, development paths, and sponsorship deals while customizing car liveries, driver numbers, and team logos down to the pixel.
Braking Point 3 Story Campaign
The much-loved narrative branch returns in Braking Point 3, spanning both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. You follow Callie Mayer (voiced by Emer Kenny) and rookie Aiden Jackson as they battle for glory with the Konnersport Butler Global Racing Team. Key moments offer branching perspectives, letting your choices shape the outcome of each dramatic encounter.
Track Authenticity and Reverse Layouts
Leveraging LIDAR scanning, Codemasters has rebuilt five circuits—among them Suzuka, Albert Park, and Sakhir—to mirror real-world precision. New reverse-direction races at Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Zandvoort inject fresh challenges by flipping familiar layouts on their head.
Online Cooperative Events
F1 25 introduces cooperative multiplayer in F1 World mode, enabling you and friends to form a team and race alongside AI competitors. This social-competitive twist brings new tactics as you share resources, coordinate pit stops, and chase podium finishes together.
Graphical Upgrades and Personalization
On PlayStation 5, ray-tracing and dynamic diffuse global illumination bring cars and circuits to life with cinematic realism. Enhanced podium cinematics underscore every victory. Across all platforms, you can design custom liveries, select driver numbers, and place sponsor logos to reflect your personal style.
Virtual Reality Support
For the first time in the series, F1 25 offers VR support on Meta Quest 3/2 (via Link), Oculus Rift S, HTC Cosmos and Vive Pro, Valve Index, and HP Reverb G2. Recommended PC specs for VR include an NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD RX 6600 XT, ensuring smooth frame rates in tight street circuits or high-speed straights.
- Meta Quest 3 + Link
- Meta Quest 2 + Link
- Oculus Rift S
- HTC Cosmos
- HTC Vive Pro
- Valve Index
- HP Reverb G2
System Requirements
F1 25 demands Windows 10 64-bit (21H1 or later), 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB recommended), and a GPU ranging from GTX 1060 or RX 570 up to RTX 2070 or RX 6600 XT for VR. With 100 GB of storage needed, the game supports DirectX 12 and all major VR headset configurations.
Early Impressions
Although full reviews will follow the May 30 launch, early access players have lauded the new reverse-layout races and VR immersion. Promotional gameplay reveals hosted by Matt Gallagher and Alex Jacques showcase razor-sharp visuals across multiple tracks, while Codemasters’ Senior Creative Director Lee Mather highlights the title’s breadth: “From Braking Point drama to championship triumphs, F1 25 expands how fans can experience Formula 1.” Social channels, particularly on X, buzz with clips of VR cockpit views and daring overtakes in reverse-direction events.
Why You Should Play
F1 25 stands out as a milestone for both simulation purists and story-driven racers. The deep My Team overhaul demands strategic planning, Braking Point 3 delivers emotional stakes, and VR support places you in the driver’s seat like never before. Get in on early access at Steam or EA’s site, and prepare for the full release on May 30, 2025. Stay tuned to vrgamenews.com for all the latest VR and racing game coverage.