Hands-on with F1 Manager 2024: Our first impressions of the new game
Formula 1 fans have reason to celebrate with the imminent release of Frontier’s newest title, F1 Manager 2024, scheduled for July 23. The game promises to evolve the series by introducing innovative game modes and significant improvements compared to its predecessor.
Create a team mode
The highlight of this year is, without a doubt, the Create a Team mode. For the first time, players can create their own F1 team from scratch, adding an 11th entry to the 2024 grid and competing against top teams such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Players have full control over all visual aspects of the team, from the name, car color, and logo to uniforms and helmets. The logo creation system is compared to Photoshop, offering a high level of customization. Freedom also extends to sponsor management, allowing players to decide where to place their sponsor logos on the car, making the management experience even more realistic.
Selection of Origin
In addition to customization options, players can define their team’s “origins,” which affects difficulty and the path to the top. Options range from starting with a top-tier team, ready to challenge Red Bull from the start, to a more traditional approach, where the team must climb from the bottom of the grid to the top over time.
During the preliminary event, I had the opportunity to build my own team, CMG Racing, bringing together Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with Peter Bonnington and Gianpiero Lambiase as race engineers. Team customization was intuitive and detailed, providing an engaging experience right from the start.
Management of mechanical defects
Another important addition to the game is the management of mechanical failures. During a “Race Replay” scenario at the Australian Grand Prix, I was challenged by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s ERS (Energy Recovery System) failures. Verstappen lost the ability to recharge his battery, while Perez suffered a complete ERS failure. These glitches are unique to each player, adding a level of challenge and unpredictability to the game.
Race replay
Last year’s Race Replay mode received criticism for being predictable. This year, it looks like Frontier has improved the variability of decisions, increasing repeatability, and providing a more dynamic experience.
The experience with F1 Manager 2024 was extremely positive. The game ran smoothly, with stunning graphics and a detailed level of control over the races. The Create a Team mode is a welcome addition, offering countless creative options for players.
Furthermore, Frontier deserves praise for the game’s price tag of £29.99, making it affordable compared to other titles on the market that can cost up to £69.99. F1 Manager 2024 promises to be an immersive and exciting experience for all Formula 1 fans, guaranteeing hours of fun and strategic challenges.
