F1 2020 Preview – Our first impressions

The season has begun ! While the world championship of Formula 1 2020 starts (theoretically) on July 3 in Austria, the official game will be available the following week. A first ! In addition to the entire F1 field – with the 22 Grands Prix initially planned (including the 2 new circuits Hanoi and Zandvoort) – this edition offers, just like last year, the championship F2.

A Deluxe version will also be available with a mode dedicated to Michael Schumacher, like duels Cheers/Senna from F1 2019. But the The real novelty comes from the “My Team” mode. Indeed, this year, you will be the eleventh team on the field. Your objective will be to manage the team, find sponsors, choose your engine, recruit a #2 driver, etc. Unfortunately, the version we received does not include Career mode, so we will have to wait for the final test to give us a real opinion.

Another novelty, a Split Screen mode. Yes, you read correctly ! Just like games from… a long time ago! For the three at the back who are sleeping, this is a mode where it is possible to play with two people on the same screen.

First turns of the wheels

But what really interests us are the sensations on the track. First of all, if you are an F1 2019 player, you will not be surprised by the gameplay of this 2020 edition. Apart from a few small adjustments, the Codemasters title has not become the ultimate simulation, it is not moreover not the will of the studio.

However, engine sounds are much better, we finally have the impression of being in an F1. Another point, when you ride without assistance, you no longer lock the wheels at the slightest braking, and that's real good news! Still on the piloting side, the management of the ERS has been reviewed. An “overtake” button is now available to allow you to benefit from the maximum power of the car at the appropriate time. We must admit that it was a bit of a hassle in the previous opus.

We also noted differences in behavior depending on the single-seaters we use, both in terms of the engine and the chassis behavior. This F1 2020 therefore promises to be a excellent sequel, ever more immersive, but without revolution. It remains to be seen whether it will offer virtual reality – we doubt it – and whether it will be released on PS5 and Xbox One Series.

Media: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia

Release: July 10, 2020