F1® 25 for Xbox Series X|S

Man, if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a team boss in F1 but also actually race on track, this one’s got your back. I’ve been playing F1 games since the early Codemasters days, and F1® 25 for Xbox Series X|S feels like the most complete package yet. It’s not just about going fast - it’s about building something. Like, actually managing your team, making roster decisions, and watching your crew struggle through a dry-weather pit stop that goes sideways. That kind of pressure? Real.

The good stuff

My Team 2.0 is where it really clicks. You’re not just driving - you’re running a team. I spent an hour just tweaking tire strategies for my rookie driver before a race, and it made me care way more than I thought possible. The Braking Point 3 story mode is surprisingly gripping too. I didn’t expect to get invested in Konnersport’s survival saga, but there’s a scene where a mechanic breaks down after a crash - raw, quiet, no music. That hit harder than any explosion in a racing game. And Suzuka? They rebuilt it with LIDAR scans, and every bump on the old kink at Turn 1 feels real. I even did a reverse lap just to see how different it felt - and yeah, it was weirdly fun.

The not-so-good

It’s still missing some things that fans keep asking for. No historic cars, no legal tracks outside the current season. If you’re into classic F1 or want to drive a 1984 Lotus, this isn’t your game. Also, the co-op modes are cool, but they’re limited to specific events - you can’t just jump in with a friend anytime. And while the visuals are crisp, I noticed some pop-in on the edges of the screen during long races. Not enough to ruin it, but annoying when you’re trying to focus on cornering. If you’re someone who hates narrative elements in games, this might not be your thing either - the story gets pretty heavy at times.

Bottom line

If you’re a fan of Formula One and want to live the dream of building a team from the ground up, F1® 25 for Xbox Series X|S is solid. It’s not free, but it’s priced right for what it offers. For anyone else? Skip it. But if you’ve ever thought “I could do better than that team,” go ahead and try. Just don’t expect vintage Ferraris. This one’s all about the future.