The 2023 Formula 1 championship is already well underway! And with it, the suspense for the drivers’ and constructors’ championships has already died down. But for us simracers, a new season is above all an opportunity to discover a new F1 23 game! After a rather lukewarm F1 22 episode, with its mix of Ikea simulator and road vehicle excursions… But it still had the “chance” to bring the new Formula specifications to the license, bringing a little air of renewal.
So what arguments will F1 23 be able to put forward to make us go to the bank once again? Will we be treated to an evolution more worthy of DLC than a full game? Or will the EA Sports teams really come up with something to renew the interest of all simracers?
To find out, we’ll have to wait for the first tests. In the meantime, here are the few newsworthy items we’ve been able to glean from the meagre information provided by EA Sports over the past few days.
F1 23: Release date and compatibility
The release date for F1 23 has just been announced: the game will be released on June 16, 2023. Players wishing to pre-order the Champions Edition will be able to play the game from June 13. That’s very early for an F1! For several years now, EA has been accustomed to releasing its games only in the first half of July. So it’s good news that we’ll be able to drive a little earlier.
In terms of compatibility, F1 23 will be available on PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, X Box One, X Box Series X|S. And as always, it will be playable both with the controller and behind the wheel. But so far, there’s nothing new to report!
Revamped physics and red flags!
In its press release, EA informs us that vehicle physics have been reworked. Better traction, more predictable and natural driving. Formula 1 teams are also said to have helped them better manage the balance between aerodynamics and tire grip. In short, we’re promised improved handling on both steering wheel and controller.
But also the return of red flags! And that’s good news for race weekend immersion.
Standard and Champions Edition pre-order packs
The standard version is available on Steam for 69.99€, and the Champions Edition for 89.99€.
The question I’m asking myself is what content will be included in the Las Vegas content pack? Because if it’s only unlockable by players who pre-order the standard edition before May 31, I hope it’s worth it.
Yes, F1 Mobile Racing will have a 2023 season
The news was shared on the F1 Mobile Racing Twitter account. An update including the 2023 season is well and truly in the works. I have to admit, it’s nice to see a game released in 2018 on Apple and Android still being kept alive by developer Eden Games! Perhaps its producers Electronic Arts and Codemasters might have the good idea of taking inspiration from it for their console titles ;).
F1 23 Champions Edition
Once again this year, F1 23 will be available in two versions. The Standard Edition and the Champions Edition. And for this season, it’s Max Verstappen who takes pride of place on the cover of the champion’s edition. In a tweet shared by the F1 world champion, we see him in the photo shoot.
But it’s the text of his tweet that catches my eye. “Can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on together with EA SportsF1”. Will Verstappen benefit from a role in Braking Point, for example? That’s another thing we’ll find out later.
F1 and F2 on the programme
Once again this year, there will be Formula 2 racing! Good news for those who want to add to their experience by progressing from one championship to the next. But no F3 on the horizon.
Braking Point mode returns
Braking Point mode, if you’re not familiar with it, is the “story mode” in the F1 Series. This story mode will be present in F1 23. But it’s not the only thing making a comeback this year! Perhaps some of you remember Devon Butler? A fictional driver who made his first appearance in F1 2019 and was also present in F1 2021.
Well, Devon is back, and he’ll be driving the F1 car of the fictional Konnersport Butler Global Racing Team. And this team, totally invented for the game, was discovered in the video I’m sharing with you just below:
The real fake Konnersport team (and good old Devon)
For those who don’t speak English or don’t feel like watching the video, here’s a summary:
EA Sports presents us with a real fake video unveiling the Konnersport F1 team. The presenters include Naomi Schiff, a real driver who co-presents F1 shows on Sky News. And Durk Chocolate, one of Oracle Red Bull’s team influencers.
Devon Butler, star driver of Konnersport and official F1 series cheerleader since 2019.
After giving us some brief context, the presenters call up good old Devon Butler. The driver is extremely fast… (Seriously, nobody laughs like that at their own “non-jokes”).
After that, an actor playing the role of the stable’s Vice President is invited onto the set. Finally, it’s time to reveal the car. You can tell me what you think of its mauve and yellow livery in the comments. After all, there’s no accounting for taste. Butler shows off his ego again, with his name appearing at least 8 times (!!) on the vehicle’s livery.
Next, Matt Gallagher, another presenter, gives us his impressions of the coming season. He points out that the team has signed Butler as a driver. This could mean that Konnersport has Butler Global as its main investor. But we know nothing about the second driver! So will the player find himself propelled to second driver at Konnersport in F1 23?
If so, how will Butler react if he takes a big beating on the track? If he’s the main investor, will he stand in our way if we humiliate him? That’s the kind of thing I want to find out! So well done EA Sports, the video worked well to make me want to know more ^^
F1 23 announcement on May 3
EA has released a launch video in which we discover a few clues about the plot of the Braking Point mode scenario.
We learn that we’ll be playing the role of Aiden Jackson, driver at Konnersport alongside Devon. The problem is that Devon’s sister, Callie Mayer, has won the F2 championship and is keen to prove herself in F1. So I guess we’ll have to fight to keep our seat in a more than tense entrepreneurial/family context.
What is F1 World?
We don’t yet know much about this aspect of the game. It should contain content related to the real racing calendar. As well as daily and weekly challenges to win liveries, helmets and racing outfits.
But it seems that F1 World will have its own “technology tree”, even if the term may be a little strong. Progressing through F1 World will advance your ranking and unlock vehicle performance upgrades. Which leads us to even more competitive events!
Last but not least, the safety ranking will help you avoid online lounges full of junkyard enthusiasts. Perhaps clean racing on an F1?
Fancy starting the F1 2023 season right away?
But what about those who want a more simulation-based F1 2023 season? Well, if you’re a PC user, Assetto Corsa is once again the place to be. Modders have already started work on updating ALL the circuits and vehicles. You’ll literally be able to experience the simulated races at the same time as the real championship races.
For full details: Experience the F1 2023 season on Assetto Corsa
An initial assessment of F1 23?
Even though we still know very little about EA Sports’ game, it seems that they’ve worked hardest on the “story” side of things this year. But they also claim to have improved the driving experience, so I’m still waiting for the first laps. And if the Braking Point mode is anything to go by, well done and exciting, there’s a good chance I’ll be tempted this year.
I’d be curious to read your thoughts on the matter. Are you more of a hardcore simu player? Or could you also be tempted by a more arcade-style experience? Are the story modes a real plus for you? We’ll be happy to discuss it below 🙂
