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Codemasters has announced that F1 2021 will be released on July 16 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. The series will also make its next-generation console debut with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.
The release will mark the first game in the series published by EA under its EA Sports tag, following the gaming giant’s takeover of Codemasters that was officially completed in February.
The standout new feature is the ‘Braking Point’ story mode which, sees players start in Formula 2 before moving up to Formula 1. The fictional character of Devon Butler, who was portrayed in F1 2019’s career mode as a fierce rival, will return in F1 2021.
One surprise addition is seven as yet unnamed “classic” F1 drivers who will be integrated into the My Team driver-manager mode in the Deluxe edition of the game.
With F1 2019 having had a Legends edition focused on Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s rivalry, and F1 2020 featuring Michael Schumacher customisation options, that should offer up an idea of which classic F1 drivers may be available in My Team.
All three of the new circuits to this season’s calendar – Portimao, Imola, and Jeddah – will be available as a free, post-launch update.
Career mode will debut a two-player option, which will allow friends to join each other online and play out the same career together, whether that be as team-mates or at totally separate constructors.
Real-Season Start will be another new feature to the game’s career mode which allows players to begin at any point in the season with real-time driver and constructor standings.
Players who pre-order the game will receive 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.
However, the seven iconic drivers for use in My Team will only be available to those who get the Deluxe edition. That version also includes customisation content, 18,000 PitCoins, the Braking Point Content Pack, and three days of early access.
“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.”
