F1 2021

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 12,019 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
F1 2021 Game Cover
‘F1 2021’ continues to grow on what 2020 built. It’s a technical, story driver, fast, and fun ride. It’s a continuation into a franchise that has become what any F1 fan, or honestly racing fan in general has been wanting for years.
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"F1 2021" is a racing simulation game that brings the thrill of Formula One championships to players. Experience the new "Braking Point" story mode, multiplayer options, and a wide range of customization as you compete in official circuits and races. With improved physics, graphics, and audio, this game offers an immersive and realistic F1 racing experience.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 12,019 reviews
story258 positive mentions
stability192 negative mentions
  • story661 mentions

    The "Braking Point" story mode in F1 2021 has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative and character development, particularly the rivalry between Aiden Jackson and Devon Butler. However, some critics note that the story is linear and lacks depth, with limited player agency and a relatively short playtime of around 6-8 hours. Overall, while the story mode adds a fresh element to the racing experience, it is seen as a promising but imperfect first attempt at narrative integration in the F1 series.

    • “The game's 'Braking Point' story mode is an exciting addition that allows players to experience a mix of racing action and dramatic cutscenes.”
    • “The story is surprisingly profound and relevant to real F1 dramas, and brought me inside a whole new experience of F1.”
    • “The characterisation is a little underdone, but injecting a story mode into the F1 series was a risk well worth taking and I’m certainly looking forward to more of it.”
    • “The story mode is too short.”
    • “The story mode is pretty dull.”
    • “The story mode was lame, I was hoping for different outcomes depending on how you reacted to your teammate but no, Butler is the cause of it, how predictable.”
  • graphics504 mentions

    The graphics in F1 2021 have received widespread praise for their realism and detail, with many users noting significant improvements over previous iterations, particularly in car models and environmental effects. However, some players have reported performance issues, including crashes and lag, especially when adjusting graphic settings. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered stunning, there are mixed feelings about optimization and stability across different hardware setups.

    • “The visuals in F1 2021 are stunning, with highly detailed car models, realistic environments, and breathtaking track designs.”
    • “F1 2021 sets the bar high for Formula 1 racing games, delivering an exceptional gameplay experience, stunning visuals, and an authentic representation of the sport.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, the driving feels really excellent, and the story is pretty cool.”
    • “Shit graphics for its time.”
    • “Graphics look worse than 2020, and cars handle like $%#@.”
    • “The graphics are not great, with visible pixels in the distance, not as nice as my other games even on the highest anti-aliasing level.”
  • gameplay301 mentions

    F1 2021 delivers a solid gameplay experience characterized by realistic racing mechanics, immersive features, and a variety of modes, including a story-driven campaign and team management elements. While many players appreciate the improved AI and driving dynamics, some express disappointment over persistent bugs, connectivity issues, and a lack of significant new content compared to its predecessor, F1 2020. Overall, the game is praised for its graphics and engaging gameplay, though it is noted that it may not offer enough innovation for those familiar with the series.

    • “With its immersive gameplay, realistic mechanics, and attention to detail, the game captures the essence of the high-speed world of Formula 1.”
    • “F1 2021 offers an exceptional gameplay experience, providing players with the opportunity to step into the shoes of their favorite Formula 1 drivers and compete on iconic tracks around the world.”
    • “The mechanics and physics have improved a lot, including graphics which look stunning, and many aspects, such as damage, are much more realistic.”
    • “Unsuppported, unfinished game that will spend more time crashed than in gameplay.”
    • “In terms of gameplay, it is one of the worst recent Codemasters F1 games to play.”
    • “There was never a game that I felt so much disappointment with; after paying 60 euros for this game, I feel like I was scammed. The amount of effort in dialog and animations is minimal, the AI of the game is pathetic, and the number of bugs can destroy one's experience with the gameplay.”
  • stability198 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players have managed to enjoy a relatively bug-free experience, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by issues, particularly in multiplayer modes, making it difficult for many to recommend it in its current state. Despite some improvements noted in patches, the game remains a "buggy mess" that requires further fixes to enhance stability.

    • “I have sunk many hours into this game and despite the desync issues near the end of the cycle, I personally had a bug-free experience.”
    • “I am rating thumbs up because this game seems bug-free.”
    • “Looks and runs great.”
    • “This game is such a buggy mess, I love it but for someone that just wants to try out an F1 game, don't buy it.”
    • “The game is seriously buggy and I don't see how the developers thought this was okay to release.”
    • “The most recent updates though have caused it to be a buggy mess that crashes every 2 minutes.”
  • optimization111 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews. While many players report smooth performance and high frame rates on capable hardware, others experience significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and inconsistent AI performance. The game's graphics are generally praised, but some users note that it struggles on lower-end systems and has unresolved bugs that affect gameplay stability.

    • “The game is really well optimized, and you get high frames with one of the best-looking racing games. The wet track may look wetter than it is at times, but it still looks amazing.”
    • “Game is optimized well; I play it in ultra settings with a 2060 amp.”
    • “F1 2021 has nice graphics and good performance.”
    • “This has to be one of the worst optimized racing games I have ever played.”
    • “The game also has performance issues, constant crashes; almost every single time I played this game, I had a crash.”
    • “So it's been about two months, the game still hasn't had a performance patch for the teams (RBR still underpowered), glitches and bugs are still present, 2-player career is still broken, still no word as to when we can expect the new tracks, and now since the latest patch the loading times have become atrocious.”
  • grinding45 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming, often requiring "a second life" to manage the repetitive tasks involved. While some improvements have been noted in specific modes, many still describe the experience as tedious and frustrating, particularly due to AI issues and glitches that hinder gameplay.

    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “Ai drives like dogshit and half of the kerbs make you spin if you don't hit them at the perfect spot, making it a rather unpleasant experience for the average casual controller player if they don't want to spend dozens of hours really grinding to get the game properly playable with the controller.”
  • humor41 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players finding amusement in both intentional comedic elements and unintentional bugs, such as hilarious glitches and absurd scenarios during gameplay. While some appreciate the funny moments and lightheartedness, others feel that the humor can become repetitive or overshadowed by frustrating gameplay issues. Overall, the game elicits laughter through its quirks, but opinions vary on whether this humor enhances or detracts from the overall experience.

    • “It's funny though choosing Williams and seeing them fight for the championship after 1 season.”
    • “Braking point has been fun so far, and playing with the kids and grandchildren online has been hilarious (when it works - typical EA).”
    • “It's very, incredibly, immensely, hilariously ironic that the developers are called 'Codemasters' because they definitely aren't masters.”
    • “When I bought this game, it was only for the stories and the good-looking cars. However, after playing a bit in the story and career modes, the game felt boring and not funny to play anymore, so I quit and went to Assetto Corsa to play some real simulation game.”
    • “The humor in this game falls flat; it tries too hard to be funny but ends up being cringeworthy instead.”
    • “I expected some lighthearted moments, but the jokes are stale and often miss the mark, making the experience less enjoyable.”
  • music28 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising it as the best in the series, surpassing even F1 23. The soundtrack is described as emotional and memorable, enhancing the overall experience with standout menu music and improved sound design. However, some users noted issues with crashes related to music playback, and a few felt that certain tracks could benefit from re-recording.

    • “The presentation of the game has drastically improved with the actual F1 intro playing when you launch the game, the 'press start' screen having moments of Crofty commentary in the background, and overall better music.”
    • “Just no words, it is such emotional music that you can't help but love. For example, the online lobby music before the race is just something that you suddenly realize you keep humming along with.”
    • “Overall a fun sim that I hope to get a little more competitive with. The game is gorgeous, audio is great, and the soundtrack is really amazing.”
    • “If you have 2020 it comes down to if you want to spend 60 dollars for some music and some better AI (I did).”
    • “Some of the music sorely needs to be re-recorded.”
    • “- there is no music.”
  • monetization25 mentions

    The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling that it prioritizes microtransactions, loot boxes, and a "podium pass" system over gameplay quality and balance. While some microtransactions are deemed harmless, the pervasive presence of ads and the necessity to purchase virtual currency for customization options have led to perceptions of the game as a cash grab, particularly following its acquisition by EA. Overall, players express frustration over the increasing focus on monetization at the expense of the gaming experience.

    • “You do not need to utilize the microtransactions, but some of the customization options will be locked behind the podium pass which can only be unlocked using virtual currency.”
    • “Despite being a 60 euros copy-paste from last season, the game is full of microtransactions.”
    • “You earn pit coins rather easily, so the microtransactions are pretty pointless and the pit coins are only for cosmetic items anyway.”
    • “I am not a fan of microtransactions – and they have been included with a virtual currency for purchase with real-world money.”
    • “The game has pivoted towards microtransactions and milking players substantially.”
    • “You're then interrupted by an ad for 'podium pass series 1' which is explained as purchasable VIP, so the content is already split into microtransactions, which are almost totally worthless anyway because the lifespan of the game is so short.”
  • emotional20 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional response to the game, highlighting its ability to evoke feelings of realism and immersion, particularly through its storytelling and music. While some find the gameplay mechanics frustrating—especially regarding car handling and AI behavior—others appreciate the emotional depth and authenticity it brings to the racing experience, making them feel like real F1 drivers. Overall, the game elicits a mix of admiration and frustration, contributing to a memorable emotional journey.

    • “This game gave me nightmares, good dreams, pain in the rear tires, and emotional damage.”
    • “It's a really great way to get a look into how this job really is, especially from an emotional and social perspective.”
    • “And yes... braking point is an amazing story with a really touching ending :)”
  • replayability13 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, particularly due to the engaging "My Team" mode, which enhances the experience compared to previous titles. While some features, like "Breakpoint," offer limited replay value, the overall gameplay mechanics and controls are considered more enjoyable and playable than in earlier versions. However, a few users noted that certain aspects could be improved to further increase replayability.

    • “It adds so much replayability to the game and provides more fun than even my team for me.”
    • “The 'My Team' game mode basically makes the other career mode obsolete as it's so much better, definitely makes the game a lot more replayable and adds a grind-y aspect while still being fun and not a chore.”
    • “My Team: great feature that was brought in last year's F1 2020, this is fun, addictive, and has plenty of replayability.”
    • “Breakpoint was a nice touch although more needs to be done to make this feature work; no replay value to this, other than that seems good.”
    • “The 'My Team' game mode basically makes the other career mode obsolete as it's so much better; definitely makes the game a lot more replayable and adds a grind-y aspect whilst still being fun and not a chore.”
    • “+ Braking Point, even though there's little replayability, the plot is solid.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive sound design and vibrant race day ambiance, enhancing the overall experience for players. While the graphics and environmental details contribute to a captivating atmosphere, some critiques highlight inconsistencies in gameplay quality and storytelling, particularly in the Breaking Point DLC. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of an F1 season, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.

    • “The sound design is equally impressive, capturing the roar of the engines, screeching tires, and the ambiance of the race day atmosphere, adding to the overall immersion.”
    • “The atmosphere is perfect, from the requirement to strategy to the images.”
    • “It has a very good atmosphere to it, and gives you a much more immersive feel in the paddock environment.”
    • “While the atmosphere of a race weekend is better than ever, the core of the game, which is driving, is absolutely horrendous.”
    • “Breaking Point: great attempt to build a hostile and aggressive atmosphere, but lacks in storytelling.”
    • “A perfect game for the right people; it does crash sometimes, which gets on my nerves, but I love the atmosphere and the Breaking Point DLC.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development is generally considered adequate, lacking in dynamism and memorability, though there are efforts made to enhance it.

    • “The character development is rich and engaging, allowing players to form deep connections with the characters.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, each with their own unique arcs that feel meaningful.”
    • “The depth of character development really enhances the storytelling, making every choice feel impactful.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy F1 2021

Play time

54hMedian play time
123hAverage play time
16-200hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 40 analyzed playthroughs

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