After recent leaks of news, EA Sports has officially announced the release of the F1 2021 game.
Launching July 16, F1 2021 will make its series debut on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X|S. In addition to the next gen consoles, the game will also be available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
This year’s game is the first under the EA Sports umbrella, and features a number of new improvements including a new story mode, career updates, new circuits and more.
Bringing Career to Next Gen
The biggest new additions to the game both center around the career mode experience.
First, F1 2021 will include a new story mode known as “Braking Point”. In the story, players will start at the bottom of Formula 2 and work their way up the ranks to become a premier Formula 1 driver. The story, according to EA Sports, will “immerse players into the glamorous world of F1®, giving a taste of the lifestyle both on and off the track: the rivalries, emotion and dedication needed to compete at the highest level.”
“Braking Point is an exciting innovation that has been years in the making. We are proud to expand the game experience and allow players to live the highs and lows of life in Formula 1® both on and off the track,” said Lee Mather, Franchise Game Director at Codemasters. “Braking Point transforms the game and puts players centre stage in the greatest racing spectacle on the planet.”
In addition to “Braking Point” the F1 2021 game will feature an update to the career mode that gives you a two-player option. With it enabled, players will be able to join each other online and play either on the same F1 team or separate teams. In a two-player career mode, each player will have full control over their own assists to make sure they can race how they want.
Lastly, the game’s career includes a Real-Season Start, allowing you the start at any point in the F1 season with a real driver.
F1 2021 Returns Fan-Favorite Elements to the Game
Aside from the new stuff, F1 2021 sees the return of a number of features in the game.
My Team, which debuted last year, is back along with two-player split-screen, shorter season options, F1 esports integrations, and accessible menus and handling.
F1 2021 launches on July 16 with pre-orders now open. Those who pre-order the game will get the “Braking Point” Content Pack, a set of exclusive in-game items inspired by the fictional stars of the new story experience, and 5,000 PitCoins.
If you pre-order the Digital Deluxe version of the F1 2021 game, you’ll get seven unannounced iconic F1 drivers for use in My Team, customization content, 18,000 PitCoins, the “Braking Point” Content Pack, and three days early access.
When it comes to the new circuits, there are three in total. Coming free to all players post launch are Portimão, Imola, and Jeddah.
Lastly, the game will utilize Xbox Smart Delivery as well as offer free upgrades when switching from a PS4 or Xbox One to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. Of course, for the free upgrade, you’ll need to have the console from the same ecosystem as the last generation.