In the biggest shake-up for over a decade, players will take their seats for the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship in new hybrid cars, as overhauled rules reimagine the race weekend with the inclusion of F1 Sprint races. With a more competitive and unpredictable line-up, players will test their skills across the 2022 calendar, including the International Autodrome for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. In another first, players can step into the glamorous world of Formula 1 with F1 Life, a customisable hub to show off their collection of supercars, clothing, and accessories, earned via gameplay, Podium Pass, and the in-game brand store.

The redefined race day allows players to customise their set-up with new Immersive and Broadcast options that affect formation laps, safety car periods, and pit stops. Select Immersive, and players will face risk-reward challenges, which could be the difference between a place on the podium or finishing outside the points. Broadcast takes the pressure off, with controlled and authentic cinematics that keeps players close to the action. For the ultimate immersive F1 experience, the new PC VR functionality via Oculus Rift and HTC Vive enables players to feel the drama from right inside the cockpit.  

For new and casual fans, the new Adaptive AI keeps less experienced players competitive throughout each race, with opposing AI racers tailored to match the skill level. Accessible menus and handling also return to help players get to the action quickly without the need to understand the complexities of the sport. The refreshed Practice Programs offer more variety with new scoring systems and on-track visualisations. This helps players navigate each twist and turn to perfection before racing for those all-important championship points.

F1 22 also boasts enhancements to returning features, including My Team, allowing players to choose their starting budget based on three entry points: Newcomer, Challenger, and Front Runner. The game sees real-life track updates to Australia, Spain, and Abu Dhabi to reflect recent changes. F1 22 also features its critically acclaimed 10-year Career, complete with a two-player option, and Multiplayer is back for epic races against the global racing community. 

Codemasters and Electronic Arts continue to bolster the content in EA Sports F1 22 with a host of updates starting from October 11. F2 takes the spotlight with the 2022 FIA Formula 2 World Championship. Players can now take to the grid for the 14-round season, including F2 Sprint, competing against new contenders Logan Sargeant, Jack Doohan and the recently crowned Champion, Felipe Drugovich.

F1 22’s popular manager-owner My Team mode gets a surprise drop on October 17 with Mika Häkkinen as the latest in-game Icon. The ‘Flying Finn’ won back-to-back World Championships in 1998 and 1999 and was one of the most respected drivers of his generation. Champions Edition players can ignite old rivalries whilst competing against other in-game Icons, including Michael Schumacher, whom Häkkinen called his greatest rival.

Following the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix 2022, McLaren Racing’s Future Mode special livery, inspired by the futuristic and innovative landscapes of Singapore and Japan, is included as a free download for all players for a limited time. Players will also have the option to permanently download the Future Mode livery for free (Requires F1 22 and all game updates to play)from December and equip it to the player car.

With the F1 season heading west, all players will receive free US-inspired content via the in-game mail. From October 17, a US-inspired Stars and Stripes livery, helmet, race suit, and gloves will be available alongside The Griddy podium celebration. The dance craze, which took US sports celebrations to an entirely new level, finally makes its way into F1 22 for all player-created drivers. Further customisation items are also available to unlock throughout the 30 Free and VIP tiers of Podium Pass Series 3, launching on October 12.

“We’ve packed so much into the latest update with something for all players,” said Paul Jeal, Senior Director F1 Franchise at Codemasters. “Whether it’s vibrant Podium Pass items, crazy dance celebrations, a new racing icon, or the full 2022 F2 season, players have lots of new content giving them the perfect excuse to head back onto the track.”

EA Sports F1 22 is available worldwide for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.