F1 24 Review: A Career-Defining Feature Transforms the Game Experience

F1 24 by Codemasters and EA Sports has landed, and this year’s edition focuses heavily on refining the Career Mode, making it a standout feature for long-time racing fans. While the core racing experience remains strong, it’s the deeper, more immersive Career Mode that steals the spotlight. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore racer, F1 24 brings a fresh and compelling experience to the table.

Massive Career Mode Overhaul

One of the biggest changes in F1 24 is the overhaul of the Career Mode. After years of stagnation, Codemasters has injected new life into this aspect of the game, offering players the chance to play as real-world F1 or F2 drivers. This is a huge step forward, as players can now take on the role of their favorite drivers and build their careers from the ground up.

Key updates to the mode include:

Driver Rivalries: You’ll start with a teammate rivalry, but as the season progresses, you'll face off against other drivers and constructors, adding a layer of drama to each race.
On-Track Objectives: New race objectives, like overtaking rivals or achieving specific lap times, provide additional challenges and boost your driver rating.
Secret Meetings: Just like real-life F1, you can secretly negotiate with other teams for future seasons, risking your current team’s ire for a potential contract upgrade.

These additions create a more dynamic and engaging experience, making every race feel like part of a larger narrative. Career Mode is now truly a game-changer, offering a deeper, more rewarding journey than ever before.

Improved Racing Experience

Beyond Career Mode, F1 24 refines its racing mechanics. The tire model has seen significant improvements, allowing for more realistic handling, especially in wet weather conditions. Racing in the rain has never been more thrilling, with cars slipping and sliding, adding a level of unpredictability that keeps races exciting.

Track updates are another highlight, with enhanced visual details and layout changes to famous circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, and the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. These updates make the racing experience feel more authentic and immersive.

However, while the on-track action remains impressive, there are areas for improvement. The AI drivers in F1 24 feel too clinical at times, sticking closely to racing lines and avoiding risky overtakes, making some races feel sterile. There's also a noticeable lack of racing incidents (like crashes or safety cars), which detracts from the realism that previous games delivered.

New Features and Improvements

Driver Voices: A new addition, you’ll hear your driver speak over the radio, including checkered flag celebrations and post-crash comments. However, the feature feels underdeveloped, as there are no in-race interactions with your team, which we hope will be improved in future updates.
Challenge Career Mode: A new mode that offers bite-sized seasons for those looking for shorter, more casual playthroughs. It's perfect for players who want to jump in and out of the action without committing to a full season.
F1 World: While not drastically changed, the online modes remain robust, offering plenty of content for multiplayer enthusiasts. The Fanzone feature introduces a fun social aspect to the game, allowing players to interact in new ways.

Accessibility and Features

F1 24 offers an impressive array of accessibility options, including:

Gameplay assists like rewinds and anti-lock brakes
Colorblind modes (protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia) for a more inclusive racing experience
Tinnitus relief filter to assist players with sensitive hearing

These features ensure that F1 24 remains accessible to a broad range of players, making it easier for newcomers to jump in and enjoy the game.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a racing game with a deeper, more engaging Career Mode, F1 24 is a must-play. The improvements to the Driver Career make it a standout feature, with new rivalries, secret team meetings, and on-track objectives providing hours of entertainment. While the racing experience is still excellent, there are a few areas where the AI and realism could be further improved. Overall, F1 24 is a fantastic entry in the series, and the Career Mode overhaul alone makes it worth the upgrade.