The new edition of the official Formula 1 game adds new features including supercar challenges, circuit updates, interactive pit stops and more. Here’s a look at what’s coming in F1 22.
Supercar Pirelli Hot Laps
You are now invited to take part in Pirelli Hot Laps challenges One of the largest new gameplay additions is Pirelli Hot Laps challenges. These take place in a variety of supercars – though, naturally, only those produced by manufacturers who have a presence in F1.
Four challenges are available
A total of 40 different Hot Laps challenges are available. They come in four different flavours: Drift, Autocross, Average Speed and Rival Duel.
They are all rather more interesting than ferrying lucky Paddock Club guests around the track. Drift mode, as you’d expect, involved scoring points for holding prolonged slides. Average Speed is the closest thing to a time trial, pitting you against a challenging section of an F1 track.
Autocross is a more challenging test of driving, which brings out the different handling characteristics of the heavy supercars versus nimble F1 machines. Final, Rival Duel is a straight one-on-on sprint race.
Rival Duel pits you in a straight fight with another supercar
Broadcast effects
The camerawork has a realistic wobble as your pit crew spring into action Codemasters have lavished attention on the animations which accompany pit stops and added broadcast-style coverage to show your tyres being swapped and any repairs taking place as if you were watching a race.
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It’s now possible to ‘miss your marks’ when you pit There is a new gameplay dimension to pit stops as well. It’s now down to you to ensure you swing into your pit box at the correct moment. Mess it up and your pit crew will change your tyres more slowly.
Don’t worry, you can’t mow down your pit crew Grand Theft Auto-style… Formation lap updates
You can now manually driver to your grid slot One keenly-anticipated addition to the game is the new grid slot feature on the formation lap. This allows you to position your car on the grid exactly as you wish without the AI taking control of your car before passing the pit lane.
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Updated tracks
The most significant track changes for 2022 are present and correct. These include the revised Yas Marina and the Circuit de Catalunya which were used by F1 last year but not present in F1 2021.
The alterations to Albert Park in Melbourne also appear, as does the new Miami International Autodrome.
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F1 life
New car designs are available The biggest cosmetic change to the game is the new F1 Life environment. Here you can style your character, personalise your F1 car and team, fill your garage with Supercars and even check in on other players.
The two F1 Safety Cars are available as bonus items Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
More on F1 22
Look out for our full review of F1 22 once we receive the finished game. In the meantime here’s more of what to expect in the latest edition of the official Formula 1 game:
- F1 22 FAQ: Everything we know so far about the coming new F1 game
- Interview: F1 22 director talks EA, physics, penalties and more in this year’s game
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Gaming
- A true successor to Grand Prix Manager? F1 Manager 22 hands-on preview
- F1 22 FAQ: Everything we know so far about the coming new F1 game
- Interview: F1 22 director talks EA, physics, penalties and more in this year’s game
- Codemasters reveal fresh details of “new era” F1 22 game
- First look at the new Miami International Autodrome in F1 22
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