F1 2016’s new career mode will take drivers deeper into the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport, both on and off the track. The life-like recreation of the sport will be further enhanced by the addition of the sport’s iconic Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car, as well as the introduction of the challenging new street circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix Of Europe.

““The new career mode sits at the heart of the game and allows gamers to create their own legend over a career that can span for up to a massive ten seasons. Beyond improving upon the fastest and most thrilling on-track racing experience in gaming, F1 2016 uniquely offers the drama and vehicle development that goes on behind the scenes. A rich car upgrade system is fully integrated into a new and deep practice development programme which mirrors the tests carried out by the teams in real life.”

“The career mode, together with the re-introduction of the Safety Car, the first inclusion of the Virtual Safety Car and a number of other unannounced improvements means that F1 2016 will have more new features than any other year of the franchise.”

In the new career mode players select an avatar to represent them within the game world as well as choosing a number to take with them through their career. They are then free to choose from any of the Formula One teams, all with different goals and expectations. It may be more challenging to start further down the grid, but it will also be easier to exceed team expectations. Players can earn contracts and move from team to team, or choose to develop their favorite team into a championship contender.

F1 2016 takes immersion to the next level by replicating the real world sport like never before with the Formation Lap appearing for the first time in the franchise allowing players to experience the height of the pre-race tension and warm their tires in preparation for the all-important start.

Codemasters previously announced that both the Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car are featured in this year’s game; they will be complimented by the addition of manual race starts, adding to the pressure on the driver as they sit on the grid. They will have to engage the clutch and balance the revs as they wait for the lights to go out. Reaction times are vital to avoid a jump start by going too early or getting stuck on the grid as the anti-stall engages.

The driver will also be able to have manual control over their pit lane entry and braking as they look to minimize the time they lose when pitting. They will also need to brake in time to avoid a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This year’s game also includes the new five second pit stop penalty.

With multiplayer support for up to 22 drivers, F1 2016 allows players to form a full grid of human players across the 21 circuits featured in the 2016 FIA Formula One World Championship, including the tight Baku street circuit, the latest addition to the calendar. In single player, gamers are able to create their own legend in the expansive Career Mode which stretches for up to ten seasons and includes drama both on and off the track.

To complement the on-track experience, and to expand the realism of the Career mode, F1 2016 includes stunning hospitality areas for each team that act as the player’s game hub. In this area they will work with their Research and Development Engineer and Player Agent to develop their progress both on and off the track. To further enhance the immersion, players will also be able to spot other key figures from the paddock within the hospitality areas.

In what is already a very exciting season, the 2016 season sees Azerbaijan become the latest addition to the Formula One calendar, with capital city Baku playing host to what could very well be the fastest street circuit of the season. Early screenshots show off the new time of day editor which allows players to dramatically customise the visuals of the race experience. The brand-new Haas F1 Team makes their debut in the 2016 FIA Formula One World championship, and in the process become the first all-American-led F1 team in three decades.