F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

As a lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast who’s spent countless hours poring over race stats and analyzing tire strategies, F1 Manager 2024 has been nothing short of a dream come true. With its intricate gameplay mechanics and immersive features, it’s like stepping into the pit lane with my favorite team!


The F1 Manager returns from Frontier Developments at a time when the 2024 series is in full summer swing. This year’s version comes packed with fresh features that intensify the feeling of being a team principal in Formula 1. Detailed tools and systems ensure that time off the track remains captivating, making the on-track action a close second. F1 Manager 2024 caters to every enthusiast of the sport, with a special appeal for those who love immersion.

Welcome to the grid

F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

The standout feature in F1 Manager 2024 is the introduction of the Create A Team mode, enabling players to enter the Formula One circuit as a new team, number eleven. This innovative mode offers the opportunity to establish every aspect of your team from scratch, such as selecting a name, designing branding, managing budget limitations, and deciding on driver lineups. You can opt for grandeur with a substantial budget, recruit star drivers from rival teams, and start crafting your team’s legacy. On the other hand, you could begin modestly as an underdog, working with a limited budget and focusing on nurturing young talent from the F2 or F3 series. Furthermore, you have the freedom to create something unique with generated drivers and personnel – the decision is yours, and your gameplay experience will significantly differ based on the path you select.

Forming a new team includes developing your team’s unique identity through branding. Frontier offers an easy-to-use designer that has sparked creativity on the internet, resulting in some remarkably fitting logos. This gives you the opportunity to race on the F1 grid with your own vision, not just an established team. The sponsorship system has been broadened, forcing team leaders to juggle funding with the potential disruption of sponsor events. Meeting goals and hosting fan events can boost your cash flow, but could also annoy one of your drivers or delay the production of crucial components due to a fan tour.

The recently implemented Mentality System monitors the impact of racing outcomes, both on the track and off it, on drivers and team personnel. A driver’s state of mind can be swayed by recent race performances, contract durations, interactions with engineers, and rivalries among teammates. It soon becomes evident that there are numerous aspects a team principal needs to oversee. Fortunately, this novel system effectively pinpoints the causes and their effects on performance, providing valuable insights for players to focus on the most advantageous aspects of team improvement.

Development successful

F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

In F1 Manager 2024, I couldn’t wait to jump headfirst into the intricacies of car development and the tactical dance of practice session strategies. What truly caught me off guard was how captivating the activities beyond the Sunday Grand Prix turned out to be. As a hardcore Formula 1 enthusiast, striving for perfection in driver preparation every weekend, while tweaking car setups and strategies, has been an exhilarating experience. The authentic branding within the game really pulls you into the action. During races, it felt like I was stationed at the pit wall, scrutinizing tire durations, keeping tabs on weather predictions, and cringing at my rookie driver’s blunders that took a bite out of our team budget.

In many PC games, I often find menu systems to be frustrating, particularly when they seem tailored for controllers. Yet, F1 Manager 2024 stands out from the crowd. Although the menus are functional for console users, they operate smoothly and effectively with a mouse and keyboard on PC. For the first time in a while, I didn’t feel hampered by console restrictions; it performs admirably in both settings. Well done, Frontier!

Some adjustments required

F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled about the enhancements in F1 Manager 2024. Building on the familiar and improved features from past editions, these new additions truly elevate the experience. The revamped on-track audiovisual package, with over 70,000 lines from broadcast recordings and several innovative camera modes, offers a captivating view of the fresh mechanical failures. While I appreciate the authenticity of real driver and race engineer audio clips, the commentary during race replays sometimes feels mismatched. The abrupt shift from the focused intensity of strategizing to an overzealous announcer with unusual pauses can be disconcerting.

2024’s F1 Manager version experiences some glitches, particularly in its user interface. For example, tutorial pop-ups occasionally resurface after being closed. Additionally, there were instances where the UI failed to refresh during a race, yet mouse commands were still functional. However, the auto-save feature proved beneficial as I was able to continue without losing substantial advancements.

Closing

F1 Manager 2024 review: We think it might be Plan A

As a devoted enthusiast, F1 Manager 2024 has left an indelible impression on me with its irresistible allure. If Civilization has that famous “one more turn,” then F1 Manager 2024 entices me with the tantalizing promise of “one more practice session,” “a few more laps to perfect the car setup,” or “just one more race to chase those precious points.” It’s a captivating cycle that keeps drawing me back, and I can’t wait to witness how my personal Shacknews Racing team will flourish throughout the seasons. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of an F1 team manager, you’ll find yourself immersed in countless hours of exhilaration here.

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of diving into F1 Manager 2024 ahead of its official release. The game key was generously provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review. Mark your calendars for July 22nd, as F1 Manager 2024 will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC!

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2024-07-31 19:27