The new edition of the official Formula 1 game adds new features including supercar challenges, circuit updates, interactive pit stops and more. Here’s a look at what’s coming in F1 22.
Supercar Pirelli Hot Laps
One of the largest new gameplay additions is Pirelli Hot Laps challenges. These take place in a variety of supercars – though, naturally, only those produced by manufacturers who have a presence in F1.
They are all rather more interesting than ferrying lucky Paddock Club guests around the track. Drift mode, as you’d expect, involved scoring points for holding prolonged slides. Average Speed is the closest thing to a time trial, pitting you against a challenging section of an F1 track.
Autocross is a more challenging test of driving, which brings out the different handling characteristics of the heavy supercars versus nimble F1 machines. Final, Rival Duel is a straight one-on-on sprint race.
Broadcast effects
Codemasters have lavished attention on the animations which accompany pit stops and added broadcast-style coverage to show your tyres being swapped and any repairs taking place as if you were watching a race.
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There is a new gameplay dimension to pit stops as well. It’s now down to you to ensure you swing into your pit box at the correct moment. Mess it up and your pit crew will change your tyres more slowly.
Formation lap updates
One keenly-anticipated addition to the game is the new grid slot feature on the formation lap. This allows you to position your car on the grid exactly as you wish without the AI taking control of your car before passing the pit lane.
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Updated tracks
The most significant track changes for 2022 are present and correct. These include the revised Yas Marina and the Circuit de Catalunya which were used by F1 last year but not present in F1 2021.
The alterations to Albert Park in Melbourne also appear, as does the new Miami International Autodrome.
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F1 life
The biggest cosmetic change to the game is the new F1 Life environment. Here you can style your character, personalise your F1 car and team, fill your garage with Supercars and even check in on other players.
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More on F1 22
Look out for our full review of F1 22 once we receive the finished game. In the meantime here’s more of what to expect in the latest edition of the official Formula 1 game:
- F1 22 FAQ: Everything we know so far about the coming new F1 game
- Interview: F1 22 director talks EA, physics, penalties and more in this year’s game
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nmgn (@nmgn)
13th June 2022, 17:22
Why are this years SC’s considered a bonus? Shouldn’t they be standard present in the game? You know what would have been nicer? Have the ’22 Safety Cars as standard, and add ALL previous SC’s and medical cars as bonus.
Apostle (@apostle)
13th June 2022, 17:34
That would require Codies to do actual work. They’d rather spend time making awful Youtuber items that nobody uses.
Apostle (@apostle)
13th June 2022, 17:30
Yet another example of Codies focusing on all the wrong things. The game is called F1 22; if I want to drive supercars, I’ll play Gran Turismo or Forza.
What other big features are being touted? Manual pit box entry? The animations are STILL messed up, and have been for years. Lots of terrible, unrealistic cosmetic items and liveries, most of which will predictably be locked behind a paywall or mindless season pass grinding. No wonder PC players resort to mods.
Big AL
13th June 2022, 21:27
Mouse support for PC is a must this year or im out.
Tristan (@skipgamer)
14th June 2022, 2:39
Ahhh, had to get in on that car purchase market. I guess the sales numbers from games like Gran Turismo and Forza are too enticing not to chase. I wonder if they will be loot box / random card style unlocks, or limited time shop sales, or battle pass premium items, or judging by some big major releases lately, just throw all the monetization in.
Ah well, at least the game will be a bit cheaper up front because of that right? Haha, ahh…
oweng (@oweng)
14th June 2022, 10:26
Do you know if the rival duel can be against someone specific in an online private lobby, or is it a random in a public lobby?