Frontier Developments’ renowned sports management series returns with F1 Manager 24, promising the most feature-rich experience yet. New additions like Create A Team and mechanical failures introduce layers of depth, customization, and strategy previously unseen.
In a remote hands-on preview, I explored some of these exciting features. Over several hours, I delved into the Create A Team feature and tested the game’s new elements, leaving with a highly positive impression.
Dream Team Creation
The first part of my session focused on the Create A Team feature, allowing players to build a completely original team to compete against the existing ten teams on the grid. Frontier, known for creative hits like Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, impresses with the depth of this feature.
Step-by-Step Customization
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your team:
- Name Your Team: Enter a name for your team. I chose ‘TRG Racing.’
- Resources: Decide on the quantity and quality of your resources.
- Quick-Start Options: For those eager to dive in, these options set initial car and facility performance and your starting budget.
Most players will likely prefer the ‘Your Story’ option, which allows complete customization of your 11th team from the ground up. The possibilities are extensive, whether you want to be a new backmarker with upgrade potential or a cash-strapped midfield team. After choosing your scenario, you select your drivers and staff.
Driver and Staff Selection
Choosing drivers and staff was challenging. I aimed for a team like Haas, a lower-grid team with midfield potential, selecting Alex Albon from Williams and Nico Hulkenberg from Haas. You can also pick from F2 and F3 talents or create fictional drivers.
Design and Personalization
After tough decisions, I needed a breather. Frontier provides in-depth livery, logo, and racing suit editors, making the design process intuitive and robust.
Car’s Livery and Logo
- Preset Designs: Choose from preset designs or start from scratch.
- Custom Colors: Apply your color schemes. I chose TRG’s purple and black with white-gold accents.
- Advanced Customization: Set gradients, place sponsor logos, and add carbon fiber elements.
The logo editor offers hundreds of shapes and fonts, allowing complete control over scale, rotation, position, and colors. Create A Team offers a rich experience even before your first race.
On-Track Experience
F1 Manager 24 maintains the series’ thrilling on-track experience. The user interface and race options remain largely unchanged, which is positive as Frontier retains what works while introducing new elements for dynamic and unpredictable races.
Mechanical Faults
A major new feature is mechanical faults. Parts like the gearbox, engine, and ERS unit wear down during races, adding a new layer of intensity. I managed the Red Bull team, dealing with mechanical faults for Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the Australian Grand Prix. Despite a strategic push, I ran out of fuel just before the checkered flag, highlighting the importance of moment-to-moment management.
F1 Manager 24’s additions and improvements are impressive. The motion blur is exceptional, and the new ‘heli’ camera provides an immersive, broadcast-like view. I’m eager to take TRG Racing through a full season when the game launches on July 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.