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F1 2016

Whether you're a lover of all things formula one or just a fan of racing games in general, F1 2016 deserves a place in your collection.
F1 2016 Game Cover
81%Game Brain Score
graphics, optimization
stability, story
85% User Score Based on 1,770 reviews
Critic Score 77%Based on 29 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 5Playstation 4XboxSteam DeckiPhoneWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCMac OSPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
F1 2016 Game Cover

About

F1 2016 is a single player and multiplayer racing game. It was developed by Feral Interactive (Mac) and was released on September 7, 2016. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Create your own legend in F1 2016. Get ready to go deeper into the world of the most prestigious motorsport than ever before. F1 2016 is the official videogame of the 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and includes the full 2016 season calendar of 21 tracks, including the brand new Baku circuit in Azerbaijan, and the full roster of 22 drivers and 11 teams, including the new Haas F1 Team.

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85%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,770 reviews
graphics171 positive mentions
stability33 negative mentions

  • Best F1 game Codemasters has produced so far with an immersive and in-depth career mode.
  • The driving physics are improved, rewarding and challenging with realistic tire and fuel management.
  • New features like formation lap, safety car, virtual safety car and voice commands greatly enhance immersion and gameplay.
  • AI can be overly aggressive and sometimes crashes into the player unfairly.
  • Some users experience crashes to desktop and performance issues on PC, especially during cutscenes and replays.
  • Lack of mouse support for menus and limited customization options such as no female avatars or classic cars.
  • graphics
    316 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in this F1 game are widely praised for their detailed visuals, realistic lighting, and smooth performance, especially during dynamic weather conditions like rain. While many users regard the graphics as a significant improvement over previous editions and featuring beautiful car models and tracks, some note occasional glitches, subpar facial animations, and performance issues on lower-end or certain GPU setups. Overall, the visuals greatly enhance immersion and contribute to a compelling racing experience, though optimization and minor graphical flaws could be improved.

    • “Codemasters caps it off with some of the most impressive visuals we've seen from an F1 game to date, especially when the heavens open and it starts to rain.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely beautiful and it makes me feel like a real F1 driver.”
    • “Stunningly beautiful graphics and brilliant car simulation physics really immerse you in the world of open-wheel racing.”
    • “Graphics are terrible, everything looks blurry even with all graphic settings on ultra (i7 4790, 16GB RAM, 6GB GTX 1060).”
    • “The graphics are terrible compared to F1 2014: playing the game on ultra-settings and 1920x1080 with a GTX 1070, it looks like a much older game rendered in 8-bit.”
    • “Graphics are woeful, like something from 10 years ago, even on highest "ultra" settings in 1440p.”
  • optimization
    103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization receives mixed reviews: while many find it runs smoothly on mid-range hardware with good graphics and improved performance over previous versions, there are consistent reports of micro-stuttering, occasional frame drops, and audio bugs that remain unresolved. Performance issues tend to be more pronounced in specific areas like the garage or player hub, and lack of SLI/Crossfire support limits high-end setups. Overall, while playable and generally well-optimized for typical rigs, the game still suffers from notable inconsistencies and room for improvement in performance stability.

    • “Codemasters optimized this game so well that my Athlon II 640 3.3GHz OC and 1050 Ti can play it with a mix of ultra settings for everything and low shadows at 1080p SMAA, maintaining 60fps. I'm so impressed. The game is gorgeous, much better than F1 2014, that's for sure.”
    • “Technically it's the best looking in the series and it's also a lot more optimized than F1 2015.”
    • “I had to tweak the graphics just a touch to get the performance I wanted (and get rid of motion blur!), but this game is very well optimized and plays just fine with an Xbox controller.”
    • “Because even after serious tweaking the game is almost uncontrollable short of a $100-$300 full metal racing setup; no manual save, two pages of how to install and the EULA; a bug that causes stuttering sound and dropped frames which Codemasters after at least three years has still not patched; useless tutorials.”
    • “I'm getting horrible frame drops or stuttering which makes this game completely unplayable (especially for a racing game!).”
    • “The optimization is reasonable on the track, however in the garage it's awful, and it drops below 40 fps on a GTX 970 + i7.”
  • gameplay
    101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Gameplay in F1 2016 is widely praised for its realistic mechanics, challenging yet enjoyable racing, and significant improvements over previous iterations, especially in AI racecraft, tire management, and career mode depth. While some users report controller input lag and occasional mechanical failure inconsistencies, the overall gameplay experience is immersive, smooth, and engaging, with detailed features like live weather transitions and voice-activated pit commands enhancing realism. Despite minor flaws, it stands out as one of the best F1 game simulations with extensive replayability.

    • “The gameplay is pretty much flawless, you could be absolute trash at driving (like I am), and still make a valiant effort thanks to the driving assistance, however if you're an experienced driver you can scrap all the outer assistance and make it all about you and the car.”
    • “The mechanics of tyre strategies, regulating fuel usage, and in-race strategy changes (suggested by your pit crew) really make for an engaging race experience.”
    • “F1 2016 is a significant improvement over F1 2015; not only in gameplay, but in performance and optimization as well.”
    • “Comparatively, F1 2016 controller gameplay experience feels like half a step back; the cars are not that easy to control reliably at high speeds compared to the 2015 game.”
    • “Gameplay on a controller is majorly flawed due to input lag, so it's hard for me to recommend this to someone playing on a controller (which is indeed a great deal of players).”
    • “It's really a shame, because the gameplay design (career mode, etc.) looks quite excellent and a big step forward from previous iterations (F1 2014-2015), but the gameplay itself is lacking.”
  • stability
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is inconsistent, with frequent reports of freezes, crashes, sound glitches, and frame rate drops, especially during races and online play. While some users experience smooth performance with minor graphical or system bugs, many find these issues disruptive enough to impact gameplay negatively. Despite visual and technical improvements over previous versions, ongoing bugs and optimization problems persist, reflecting limited post-release support.

    • “Overall the game runs great at a considerably higher framerate than the previous titles, pushing the 100s in places and otherwise sitting at 90 fps on high settings.”
    • “Game runs great as I get 120 fps on clear day races and 113 fps with heavy rain with no graphic glitches or sound glitches.”
    • “I'm just getting stuck into the career mode and so far, so good; everything you'd expect is present, including the safety and virtual safety car, which so far, are bug free.”
    • “Every time someone joins a race in progress, my game freezes for 2-3 seconds, causing me to ghost and lose tons of time, completely and utterly ruining any and all fun.”
    • “Even on RTX 5090 laptop this garbage freezes.”
    • “Loadingscreen before race freezes if you're set to 144Hz in settings.”
  • story
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story mode is well-received, offering an engaging and realistic career experience with improved narrative elements and mini-games. However, some players desire deeper interaction with characters like managers and agents to enhance immersion. Overall, it adds fun and depth without feeling out of place in the game’s realistic setting.

    • “The story mode is better than ever before; I'd still wish for more interaction with the press, managers, agents, and engineering.”
    • “More reality, more fun, more story line... and here we are, raised from the dead!”
    • “Story mode (career mode): ★★★★★”
    • “No story.”
    • “Multiplayer is the same story.”
    • “The story mode is better than ever before, but I wish for more interaction with the press, managers, agents, and engineering.”
  • music
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and atmosphere, featuring standout menu tracks and immersive sounds that enhance the experience. However, in-game music is limited and replaced by robotic sounds and commentary, which some players find less engaging. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series, contributing positively to the game's ambiance.

    • “One of the most banger soundtracks for an F1 game :D”
    • “8/10 - atmosphere sound is rich and immersive with great menu music & some of the best commentary the franchise has ever featured.”
    • “Music only plays in the main menu, career lounge, while fast-forwarding in the pit garage, and on results screens - and it's rather good as well!”
    • “Robotic sounds instead of game music and commentary.”
    • “In multiplayer, the mic is set open by default, so expect to hear music or background sounds from at least 30% of the lobby.”
  • humor
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding the interactions with the crew chief—especially the playful commands like "shut up Jeff"—particularly funny. The multiplayer and career modes also contribute to the comedic experience, despite some annoying bugs and glitches that add unintended humor. Overall, the game’s humor enhances its charm and enjoyment.

    • “Communicating with your crew chief is one of the easiest things to do without taking hardly any time, asking a question or even telling your chief to 'shut up,' which is hilarious.”
    • “He is really detailed with information, like weather data, race data, position, cars behind or in front, championship status, etc. I also love the 'shut up Jeff' option because it's funny.”
    • “A good funny simulator.”
  • atmosphere
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its realistic and immersive depiction of F1, featuring stunning graphics, authentic sounds, and detailed race weekend elements like pit boards and commentary. While not a full simulation, it successfully captures the excitement and essence of Formula 1 racing, creating an engaging and vibrant experience.

    • “Rear tyres that want to light up, believable and predictable handling, stunning graphics and a game that truly captures the atmosphere of F1 (your team even deploys pit boards!).”
    • “8/10 - atmosphere sound is rich and immersive with great menu music and some of the best commentary the franchise has ever featured.”
    • “Obviously because it's designed to appeal to the masses, it's not a full blown 'sim', but the total package of the F1 race weekend, R&D, tyre/fuel strategies and the 'Formula One atmosphere' make it easily the best Codemasters F1 game since F1 2010.”
  • replayability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users praise the game's career mode for its exceptional replayability, noting it as superior to newer versions. Overall, the replay value is rated very high, with players feeling motivated to return frequently.

    • “Best career mode of any F1 game, much more replayable than the newer renditions.”
    • “Tons of replayability!”
    • “Replayability 10/10: the game is made for you to come back.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Grinding in the game is somewhat limited and can feel tedious due to repetitive tasks like using the laptop, making phone calls, and facing challengers. Players suggest more flexibility in choosing rivals to gain higher experience points for a less monotonous grind.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The tedious repetition of the laptop, phone calls, and challengers. We should be able to pick our rivals with more XP given for more difficult rivals.”
    • “Playing AI on hard and the grinding is limited.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is less engaging compared to its predecessor F1 2010, but players appreciate the detailed engineer feedback that provides useful race information, enhancing immersion. Additionally, realistic consequences for mistakes like touching grass or curbs contribute to a satisfying and rewarding driving experience.

    • “Not the most exciting engineer, not as emotional as F12010 engineer (I know I keep comparing the two games), but a plus point is how detailed the engineer is. You can get a lot of useful information: fuel, weather, teammate, drivers in front and behind, full race update box each lap.”
    • “Touching the grass and curbs really makes you pay for it, so you learn not to touch them and improve your driving.”
    • “Immediately starting to drive yielded noticeable improvements that made me feel much more satisfied with this year's installment.”
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11h Median play time
9h Average play time
3-13h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 12 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

F1 2016 is a racing game.

F1 2016 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck, iPhone and others.

On average players spend around 9 hours playing F1 2016.

F1 2016 was released on September 7, 2016.

F1 2016 was developed by Feral Interactive (Mac).

F1 2016 has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its stability.

F1 2016 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include F1 2017, F1 2015, F1 2018, F1 2020, F1 2019 and others.