While F1 25 is designed as an exceptionally realistic racing simulation, the series has grown considerably beyond pure simulation since the release of F1 21. Braking Point, the narrative-driven mode within the F1 series, is set to return for its third installment in F1 25. Much like the My Team management mode, Braking Point immerses players directly into the high-stakes environment of Formula 1. However, instead of focusing on organizational management, this mode centers on the dramatic journey of an aspiring F1 team.
Creative director Gavin Cooper explained the evolution of this mode: “When we first brought the Braking Point characters into F1 21, and then introduced the Konnersport team in F1 23, it was crucial for us that these characters felt genuine. It wouldn`t have been realistic for them to immediately contend for championships from the beginning. However, the time we`ve dedicated to developing these characters and investing in their stories over the past five years has led us to a point where we believe we can now tell a story where they are genuine contenders for the championship, competing directly against the established official teams as rivals.”
A key objective for Braking Point is to make the game accessible and encouraging for newcomers.
“We understand that Braking Point serves as a natural starting point for many new players,” Cooper noted. “Our goal was to create a smooth transition from completing Braking Point into the rest of the game. We`ve observed a very high completion rate for Braking Point among players who start the mode.”
Players who finish the Braking Point story will be offered a tailored pathway allowing them to carry the Konnersport team directly from the story`s conclusion into either of the game`s Career modes.
The game encourages replayability, with potential variations in endings influenced by the driver chosen during specific events.
For experienced players seeking a greater challenge, a new fourth difficulty level has been incorporated into Braking Point. The existing three difficulty levels have also been rebalanced to provide a better experience across a wider range of player skill levels. Another seemingly minor yet impactful enhancement is the implementation of Nvidia Audio2Face technology. This innovation generates realistic facial animations based on recorded audio, meaning drivers will be fully animated during interactions like “Meet The Press” segments. This technology is also applied to characters in the My Team mode, such as facility heads.
In a unique addition for the series, F1 25 will feature a cross-promotion with the upcoming film simply titled `F1`. The movie, starring Brad Pitt, will feature the fictional Apex Grand Prix team, or APXGP. Upon the game`s release, players will have the option to use the Apex team in the My Team mode or integrate them into their Driver Career mode as the 11th team on the grid. Following the game`s launch (and the movie`s release on June 25), players can participate in gameplay events based on key moments from the film to unlock rewards, including liveries, suits, and helmets featured in the movie.
Combining significant updates to the My Team mode, the annual performance enhancements, and these new features, F1 25 is shaping up to be the most comprehensive racing simulation delivered by the series yet. Players will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand on May 30.
