F1 25 Xbox Review – Evolution or Pit Stop?

Formula 1 is a sport of precision, spectacle, and relentless forward momentum. So when a new yearly instalment in the long-running F1 video game series hits the track, expectations are high. F1 25 aims to deliver a new level of immersion with improved driver handling, a refined physics engine, and deeper integration of the real-world season in F1. But is this entry a genuine step forward, or just a modest service stop before the next major upgrade?

After spending extensive time with F1 25 on Xbox Series X, it’s clear this is the most polished version of the franchise to date—though some elements still coast along from past years. EA Sports and Codemasters have made commendable strides in realism and accessibility, yet there’s room to push further in areas like career depth and user interface.

Driving and Handling: Sharper, Heavier, More Rewarding

The standout improvement in F1 25 is its revised handling model. Cars feel more responsive and grounded, with a realistic sense of weight and grip that transforms each corner into a test of balance and finesse. Tyre behaviour is more dynamic, and subtle changes in compound or temperature can be felt immediately.

Codemasters utilised real telemetry data from F1 teams to inform their updated physics engine, and the result is a far more authentic drive. You’ll notice greater traction variation depending on setup, tyre wear, and surface conditions. Over-driving results in realistic consequences—spin-outs, snap oversteer, and lock-ups are now more frequent if you’re not measured with throttle and braking.

On a racing wheel, the game sings. Force feedback is nuanced and detailed, with every bump, kerb, and loss of grip communicated clearly. On controller, the Xbox Series X delivers a responsive experience, although the learning curve has steepened. Casual players may initially struggle without the right assists.

The payoff? An immensely satisfying driving experience once you find your rhythm.

Braking Point 3: More Drama, Greater Ambition

The story mode returns in Braking Point 3, expanding the narrative racing experience with greater scope and polish. Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler are back, joined by returning teammate Callie Mayer. While spoilers are off-limits, the arc introduces fresh tension and dynamics without recycling the past too heavily.

There’s more variety in the on-track scenarios and the drama between characters is handled with more maturity. This time around, player choices and performance have a deeper impact on the journey—although it’s still guided through largely scripted paths.

Braking Point 3 avoids the soap opera tone of its predecessors, giving players a more grounded, cinematic racing story. For fans of character-driven campaigns, it’s a solid reason to explore the single-player experience before diving into career or multiplayer.

Play the F1 Movie: A Unique Crossover Experience

One of the more unexpected and exciting features in F1 25 is the inclusion of content inspired by the upcoming F1 movie featuring Brad Pitt. Through a series of special stages, players can relive cinematic moments tied to the film in a playable format.

These sequences blend stylised race events with immersive storytelling beats, offering a mix of entertainment and spectacle. While limited in scope, it’s a refreshing change of pace that adds a little Hollywood flair to the simulation-heavy structure of the rest of the game.

This collaboration brings a fun crossover moment to the franchise and could open the door to more experiential content in future entries.

Career Mode: Reliable but Ripe for Innovation

Career mode remains the backbone of the F1 series, and in F1 25, it continues to be robust yet familiar. You can still choose to play as a real-world driver, create your own rising star, or even your own team. The MyDriver creation suite features more cosmetic options, and there’s greater customisation in terms of team contracts and rivalries.

Small enhancements include more immersive team dynamics, better simulation of mid-season changes, and refined research and development progression. However, the mode’s overall structure feels static. Press interviews, rivalries, and upgrade trees don’t differ enough from last year to feel like a true evolution.

Codemasters would benefit from pushing this mode further—introducing off-track drama, deeper engineering elements, or a more engaging transfer system. As it stands, it’s a polished but slightly conservative take on career progression.

F1 World and Multiplayer: Varied and Versatile

F1 World continues to act as the game’s central online and challenge hub. From ranked multiplayer to weekly events and time trials, there’s a steady flow of content to explore. Progression is tied to your profile, which unlocks cosmetic items and car components through gameplay.

Crucially, F1 25 avoids traditional microtransactions. All unlockables are earned through playing—there’s no premium currency, and players cannot purchase performance upgrades using real world currency. This keeps online racing fair and merit-based, a welcome move in an industry still wrestling with monetisation.

Cross-play has been further refined, making online races more accessible across platforms. Matchmaking is swift, and servers remain stable on Xbox Series X. Codemasters has also stepped up in curating cleaner lobbies by integrating penalties and driving standards more effectively.

F1 World won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds longevity for those who want more than just Grand Prix and career racing.

Visuals and Audio: Peak Presentation

Visually, F1 25 is stunning. Tracks shimmer under floodlights, cars gleam with realism, and weather transitions remain a showpiece for the series. Rain races are particularly thrilling, as water sprays across your halo and vision becomes momentarily blurred.

The updated lighting engine gives the game a more natural look, especially during dynamic time-of-day transitions. Shadows, reflections, and lighting flares all benefit from extra polish.

Audio design is equally impressive. Each team’s car has distinct engine tones—Mercedes with its mechanical growl, Ferrari with its high-rev howl. Crowd reactions, pit crew chatter, and environmental audio contribute to a rich and immersive race-day atmosphere.

Broadcast presentation has been updated to more closely mirror real F1 coverage, with slick new overlays and improved driver introductions. Commentary remains competent, although still somewhat generic over long sessions.

Accessibility and User Experience

Codemasters continues to prioritise accessibility, and F1 25 includes a wide range of settings for different ability levels. Driving assists, colourblind filters, UI scaling, and control mapping are all available to fine-tune your experience.

The in-race HUD is clean, intuitive, and responsive. However, the general UI across menus can feel bloated, especially in F1 World. Navigating between modes, settings, and customisation options isn’t always seamless.

Load times are short on Xbox Series X (but still offer the dreaded black screen moment for a second or two, and the game runs smoothly with minimal bugs. During my playthrough, i’ve encountered no crashes and only occasional frame dips during heavy weather transitions.

Final Verdict

F1 25 is an excellent continuation of the franchise. While not a radical reimagining, it delivers meaningful enhancements where it matters most—handling, immersion, and presentation. The updated physics engine rewards skill and punishes sloppiness, creating a more authentic experience for sim racers and F1 fans alike.

There’s still room for growth, particularly in career innovation and narrative storytelling, but this year’s edition is more than just a routine pit stop. It’s a smart, well-tuned machine that respects both its legacy and its future.

From the newly improved Braking Point 3—featuring characters like Aiden Jackson, Devon Butler, and Callie Mayer—to the fun inclusion of the Brad Pitt-led movie sequences, F1 25 isn’t afraid to take a few creative risks. They may not redefine the genre, but they keep the ride exciting.

If you’re a returning player, you’ll feel the difference in every corner. If you’re new, it may just convert you into a fan of the franchise—and possibly the sport itself.