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Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 25 review – strong handling evolution but big My Team 2 rework disappoints
F1 25 delivers the most balanced and accessible handling model yet, with some key physics evolutions. F1 25, the official video game of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, is here. While it delivers some positive handling changes and takes a step forward graphically, the new My Team experience doesn't quite hit the mark. With the 2025 Formula One season now eight races in, F1 25 is finally in the hands of racing enthusiasts everywhere. The good news is that there's been a significant update to one of the most popular game modes, a refinement of the handling model, three new reverse tracks, a big upgrade to the game's appearance, and more. The bad news is that, while most of the upgrades work brilliantly, perhaps the biggest one of all – the reimagining of My Team – doesn't quite make the overtake stick. Realism revamped F1 25's handling and physics model are definitely an evolution compared to F1 24 and they deliver some key changes. After spending a fair bit of time with F1 25, albeit mostly in default setups due to time constraints, the most obvious change you'll feel as soon as you jump into the car is that the super pointy front end that F1 24 became known for isn't really there anymore; instead, it's been replaced by some inherent understeer at corner entry. Personally, I think this is a step in the right direction, and it makes the car a bit more predictable, and much more stable at corner entry. This change also probably (I say probably as I've never driven a real-life Formula 1 car, sadly) brings the handling model more in line with real life, as you often hear F1 drivers talk about the current era of cars being more understeer-y – although not if your name's Max Verstappen, who apparently likes a really pointy front end. In fact, stability is a key theme in F1 25, as there's also a slight increase in traction, particularly at corner exit, giving you even more confidence to put your foot down and push the limits. Although this does make the cars more stable in high and medium speed corners, it does make it more difficult to nail the slow speed corners, as the added understeer, combined with a slight increase in instability in mid-corner and more dangerous kerbs (more on that later), means these cars feel more clumsy than ever at slow speeds. Which is, again, probably more akin to how a real-life F1 car behaves. The cars are slower in F1 25, without a doubt, I've found I'm between five- tenths and one second slower on Time Trial, depending on the circuit, which is probably due to the fact that you have to drive the cars like F1 cars to get the best lap time, in my short time with the game anyway. The 'flick' technique, which was a fast yet unrealistic way of getting lap time in F1 24, thankfully, isn't nearly as effective in F1 25, and in races especially, you'll find that your tyres will go off very quickly if you're doing that consistently. Obviously, I'm a decent sim racer and absolutely not an esports driver, so pro players may well find a new, unrealistic way of getting lap time after the game is realised, but I wasn't able to find one! Speaking of tyres, overall tyre wear has increased significantly compared to F1 24, and the sliding scale in terms of grip is much harsher as they wear. When you get to 30%, 40%, 50% and then 60% wear, you'll notice a huge loss of traction at corner exit, loss of braking performance, and tumbling lap times, which should add some much-needed strategy options during races, as some races will definitely be faster with a two-stop strategy. Kerbs are also much harsher this time around, and on tracks like Imola, Singapore and Suzuka, they're particularly dangerous; although there are some tracks where the kerbs are noticeably flatter, like Austria, Australia and Bahrain, for example, (mostly the ones which have been LIDAR scanned) and you'll need to attack them in order to get the best lap time. As much as players want it to be, F1 games will never be full-on simulation racing games like Assetto Corsa or iRacing; this is a game for the masses, the Drive to Survive and F1 Movie fans, and it needs to be accessible enough that anyone can jump in and play. But F1 25's handling model does feel like a significant upgrade, and the changes that have been made this year are certainly positive, in my opinion. It's not F1 23, but it's not F1 24 either, and it's probably the most balanced model we've seen yet. The game's AI has taken some flak over the last few years, either for being too aggressive and causing collisions, or not being aggressive enough and being too easy to overtake, and I think this year there's a decent balance between the two, although it's not perfect. The AI will defend from moves up to a point, but will also give you room if you're side-by-side and will often be happy to be squeezed out, so I'd say it's probably slightly on the too-easy side, from what I can make out with the short time I've had with the game anyway, but not by much. Hey good looking F1 25 is comfortably the best-looking F1 game ever, with a number of enhancements, big and small, leading to significant graphical improvements. The five updated tracks – Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka and Imola – which have been rebuilt with the use of LIDAR technology supplied by FOM and F1 from race weekends, are absolutely stunning, and this really adds to the immersion when you're blasting around, even at over 200mph. The tracks themselves feature some reprofiling of corners, new kerbs, more accurate sponsor boards and more realistic surroundings. There's also been some improved lighting effects, which might seem like a small thing, but it's actually made a huge difference in how the game looks, particularly in daytime races, which are now much brighter and vibrant. For PC players, you can also play F1 25 with Path Tracing for the very first time, if you've got a powerful enough PC, of course. I don't, so I couldn't try this out. When EA Sports announced that three reverse tracks would be coming to F1 25 – Silverstone, Zandvoort and Red Bull Ring – I didn't really feel excited about it, if I'm honest. But, I have to say, after spending more time with the game, I think they're a superb addition, with Austria and Zandvoort in particular being excellent tracks to race in reverse, and they'll provide a unique challenge even for the most experienced sim racers out there. In my F1 24 review, I said that one of my favourite things about the game was the addition of the real-life radio messages that played out after wins, podiums, race finishes and crashes, and I'm delighted to say that EA Sports has almost doubled the amount of lines for these moments, including adding some lines from team principals too, which is a really nice touch. On a personal note, one of my absolute favourite things about F1 25 is the addition of a Braking Assist Cue option in the Accessibility menu, which feeds a beep into your ear when you need to brake for a corner. I've been working really hard and putting in the hours to stop using the racing line, but one of the hardest things about not having it on is having no reference point for braking, but this new addition is an absolute game changer. My Team, or is it? EA Sports' biggest marketing push for F1 25 was My Team 2.0, a complete redesign and reimagining of the popular My Team game mode. This year, instead of being an owner-driver, you'll be just the owner, managing an entire team with more detail and depth than ever before, as well as racing as one of your two employed drivers every race weekend. But, for me, it doesn't quite hit the mark. Let's talk about the positives first because this is, without doubt, the most detailed and deep My Team experience to date. There's always something to do, and there are menus, submenus, and sub-submenus across the three main departments – Engineering, Personnel, and Corporate – where you manage the development of the car, negotiate driver contracts, manage your workforce, manage your budget in line with the cost cap (yes, it's in the game!) and even manage sponsor negotiations. It sounds like a lot to juggle – and it is – but there are handy prompts that appear when you really need to do something, and there's always the virtual help manual in the Team HQ if you get stuck. Then there's the superb Decal Editor, which is a really nice addition that will give players the chance to be creative and create the car design they really want, rather than having to settle for a predetermined option. But being solely the owner of the team has impacted my enjoyment of actually driving the car, which should be the main focus of an F1 game. The great thing about My Team was how immersive it felt; even if it was ridiculous and unrealistic to be an owner-driver of an F1 team, getting wins, podiums, and points with the car felt super rewarding and immersive because it was me driving the car. When you start a new My Team save in F1 25, you have a limited choice of non-customisable, middle-aged owner avatars that might, or might not, look like you. So there's already a bit of a disconnect there. Then, when choosing which driver you want to drive as each weekend – which in my case was Franco Colapinto or Juan Manual Correa – you're then thrown into the situation where you are now the driver you employ, and not the owner, which completely breaks the immersion and, even after getting a good result, I struggled to feel any satisfaction, because it's not me driving the car. Wasn't that the whole point? EA Sports and Codemasters have clearly put a lot of effort into this reimagining, and the mode itself is now the in-depth, comprehensive management experience that players were crying out for. However, I can't help feeling that keeping the driver-owner concept would have been a much better experience, particularly when you're driving the car. The mode delivers on the in-depth experience players wanted, but the fantasy of taking podiums as an F1 driver has well and truly been ruined. Overall, F1 25 features a number of improvements compared to F1 24, with improved handling, realism, graphics, gameplay options, and customisation. It has a more balanced handling and physics model, improved visuals, more accurate tracks and excellent reverse circuits. However, the reimagining of the popular My Team mode didn't quite work for me, despite it being by far the most detailed and in-depth ever, and I can see it being a love-or-hate scenario with the community.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Formula 1: Alpine replaces Doohan with Colapinto for next five rounds of World Championship
New Delhi: Alpine F1 team has confirmed that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five race weekends, starting from the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with the team deciding to 'rotate' the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. "As part of an on-going assessment of its driver line-up, the team has made the decision to rotate one of its race seats for the next five rounds of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. 'BWT Alpine Formula One Team therefore announces that Franco Colapinto will be paired with Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, ahead of a new evaluation before the British Grand Prix in July," said an Alpine statement. The statement added that Doohan remains with the team as "first-choice reserve driver". 'Jack Doohan remains an integral part of the team and will be the first-choice Reserve Driver for this period of time," it added. Having previously served as a reserve driver for the Enstone-based team, it was announced last summer that Doohan was set to be promoted to the main race squad for 2025. The 22-year-old was then given an earlier-than-expected debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, following the departure of Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, Formula 1 reports. After starting his first full-time campaign this year, Doohan has struggled to match teammate Gasly and his troubles continued last time out in Miami, where he retired from the race following a Lap 1 collision with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson. Doohan's future at the team had been a frequent topic of discussion since Colapinto's signing as a reserve in January, with Oakes having moved to quash those reports as recently as the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Colapinto made his F1 debut last year as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams and immediately impressed, prompting other teams to look into signing him to a race seat for 2025. 'Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races. I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone. 'I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team's race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre," said Colapinto. The news of Alpine's driver swap comes following the confirmation on Tuesday evening that Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes had resigned with immediate effect. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will be covering the duties previously performed by the Briton.
News.com.au
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Max Verstappen's ‘disrespectful' Oscar Piastri act raises eyebrows
Max Verstappen has been called out over a 'disrespectful' act towards Oscar piastri after the Saudi Grand Prix. The four-time world champion created plenty of headlines for his sour behaviour after Monday morning's race in Jeddah — and his decision to turn his back on the Australian during the post-race podium ceremony has now raised eyebrows. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The Dutch driver was blunt during his post-race TV interviews, openly suggesting he didn't want to speak out of fear F1's govering body, the FIA, would take disciplinary action if he criticised them in public. Verstappen was clearly furious after he was hit with a five second penalty when he went wheel to wheel with Piastri at Turn 1 before being forced wide and gaining an advantage to lead the race. While his lifeless celebrations were partly understandable, F1 commentator Jonny Herbert has slammed the Red Bull driver's behaviour on the podium for what it really is. 'I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn't really celebrate with Oscar or Charles (Leclerc),' the former Formula 1 driver said, according to Beste Online Casino Nederland. 'It comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion. 'You have to be gracious in defeat sometimes. I don't know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty. The people arguing against it have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car, so they have zero understanding.' Verstappen did pose with Piastri and Ferrari driver Leclerc for photos and did appear to congratulate them, but he clearly didn't want to be there when it was time to spray the flavoured sparkling water — which replaced champagne in Jeddah because alcohol is strictly banned in the host country. Many fans and commentators had already raised their eyebrows when Verstappen gave Piastri and Leclerc the cold shoulder in the cool-down room before the trophy presentations. Herbert, meanwhile, said Red Bull were out of line to question the stewards' penalty. The former Sky Sports F1 commentator said the penalty should have been 10 seconds. Red Bull boss Christain Horner had taken the extraordinary step of bringing printed out photos to his traditional post-race media briefing. Horner told reporters the photos showed Verstappen was ahead at the turn and should not have had to give up the place because Piastri had pushed him wide. Herbert says Horner would go back and admit he got it wrong. 'I'll include Christian Horner in this, too,' he said. 'I know he's the team principal and he's trying to do what's best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you're wrong and give the place back. 'Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back.' Verstappen was certainly gracious in speaking about Piastri after the race. 'I think I've said it before, people forget a little bit – last year was his (Oscar Piastri's) second year. Now he's in his third year, and he's very solid,' he said. 'He's very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that's what you need when you want to fight for a championship. 'And I think with Mark (Webber) by his side, he's helping him a lot. 'It's great. People learn from their own careers – that's what I had with my dad [Jos Verstappen], and Mark [Webber] is advising Oscar. 'At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that's great to see.'
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
FIA Approves General Motors F1 Power Unit For Cadillac Team In 2029
Cadillac's Formula One effort has taken another step forward. TWG GM Performance Power Units LLC., a company formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, has been approved by the FIA for use in 2029. The Cadillac F1 team will become the 11th team on the grid starting in 2026 and will use Ferrari power units for the three years leading to the now approved unit from GM. Development and testing of the prototype engine will continue with plans for a dedicated facility for GM Performance Power Units closed to General Motor's Charlotte Technical Center in 2026. The approval is significant in that the Cadillac F1 effort will be wholly U.S. based by 2029. TWG Motorsports is the effort formerly headed by Michael Andretti under the Andretti Autosports umbrella. TWG Motorsports has said that they plan to have at least one American driver in the two car team. Russ O'Blenes who was named CEO of the new venture said that with approval from FIA, they would continue to accelerate efforts to bring an American-built F1 power unit to the grid. 'Over two years ago, the FIA approved the entry of an eleventh team into the FIA Formula One World Championship, guided by my vision to expand the grid and bring new talent and opportunity to our sport,' said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem adding that although the process was at times challenging – eluding to Andretti stepping aside as the head the effort and into the role of ambassador and advisor, to allow TWG Motorsports to eventually gain approval on the grid, 'the progress we see today affirms the journey has been worthwhile.' Ben Sulayem said that 'welcoming GM Performance Power Units LLC. as an approved power unit supplier for the Championship starting in 2029 marks another step in the global expansion of Formula 1 and highlights the growing interest from world-class automotive manufacturers like General Motors.' 'Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and competition is fully aligned with the FIA's vision for the future of our sport. It also strengthens our commitment to making motorsport more accessible and inclusive worldwide—welcoming new manufacturers, advancing technology, and connecting with a broader, more diverse fan base.'
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
TWG Motorsports and GM receive formal approval for Cadillac Formula 1 team
It's official: the Cadillac Formula 1 Team has received final approval to join the pinnacle of motorsport. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM), the team will join the FIA Formula One World Championship grid in March 2026. Today, the FIA and Formula One Management announced that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team has met their requirements to join the existing 10 teams starting next year. 'Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship,' said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. 'The FIA Formula One Championship's expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport. 'The Cadillac Formula 1 Team's presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport's boundaries at the highest level.' The integration between TWG Motorsports and GM creates a distinctly American team with unique attributes. TWG Group's resources and commitment to excellence, cutting edge technology and deep collaboration across motorsport disciplines combined with GM's performance DNA, engineering excellence and proven success in motorsports provides a strong foundation for the team. "For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry,' said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. 'Now, with 2026 in our sights after today's final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we're accelerating our efforts — expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.' 'We're thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, as the team has been accelerating its work,' said GM President Mark Reuss. 'We're incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula One Management leadership for us and for our collaboration with TWG. The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM's engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.' This announcement follows confirmation that long-time motorsports and Formula 1 team executive Graeme Lowdon will serve as Team Principal of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Industry veteran Russ O'Blenes has been named CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units LLC, a new company that will put Cadillac on the future path to being a 'full works' team — building Formula 1 chassis and power units. 'I couldn't be more proud of the effort put in by the entire Cadillac Formula 1 Team. This announcement is the next step in getting on the grid and continues our efforts towards building a full-works team. Through the long and thorough application process, we have never lost pace in our planning or our belief in the mission. We can't wait to go racing and give fans a new team to cheer for,' Lowdon said. 'Ongoing preparation and development of our power unit continues, and we've been working hard to hire some top tier talent,' said O'Blenes. 'As we continue to add more experienced engineering personnel, we look forward to running our first V6 in the near future.' Since the bid to join Formula 1 was announced in January 2023, TWG Motorsports has assembled an experienced team of over 300 people working on aerodynamics, chassis and component development, software and vehicle dynamics simulation. Development work to join the grid in 2026 has continued at pace with operational wind-tunnel models, parts production and performance testing strongly underway. The team has operations in Indianapolis, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and Silverstone, England. -Ends- About: TWG Motorsports is the motorsports entity of TWG Global, created to unify a robust racing portfolio across the world's biggest stages in Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, IMSA, and NASCAR. In addition to the strategic partnerships with General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1 team, TWG Motorsports additionally has ownership of Spire Motorsports, Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing. TWG Motorsports combines deep technical expertise, proven competitive excellence, and industry-leading marketing acumen. TWG Motorsports is committed to innovating, growing, and winning at the highest levels of the sport. General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM's Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry's widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact: GM/Cadillac: or TWG Motorsports: Cadillac F1 Team:
