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 present a ‘Free Play’ weekend to celebrate the upcoming Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix 2022.

Joining in for the occasion, well-loved McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo, jumps in the sim rig and gives players an entertaining “How To” guide to tackle the Circuit of The Americas. A number of US-inspired in-game items will be available for free (requires F1 22) and a special price promotion will also run during the weekend for those looking to purchase the game.

From October 20 to October 24 (PlayStation and Steam only. Xbox Free Trial ends on October 23), players worldwide will have the opportunity to play F1 22 for free across the US race weekend. The game will be available as a free trial across all platforms. New players can check out special price promotions offered by platform retailers, with all in-game progress saved from the trial.

To support new and existing players ahead of the race weekend, the studio partnered with Daniel Ricciardo to create a guide with his top tips, tricks and inner secrets on how to get around the Austin circuit the fastest way possible. Told through his personal experience and charismatic personality, Ricciardo digs into technical knowledge, such as braking points, tough turns, passing and DRS zones, and explains what it takes to conquer the track. Afterwards, fans can put their new skills to the test by taking on the Ricciardo Hot Lap Challenge and post their fastest lap of Circuit of the Americas using #RicciardoChallenge and #F122gameSweepstakes from October 20 to 24. A participant will be selected at random on October 28 to win a virtual meet & greet and race-off with Daniel Ricciardo himself.

“With the Circuit of the Americas just around the corner, we wanted to do something special and allow as many players as possible to experience the new era of Formula 1,” said Paul Jeal, Senior Director F1 Franchise at Codemasters. “During this free weekend trial, anyone can experience the thrill of Formula 1 for a limited time and we couldn’t have asked for a better coach to show us around the circuit than Daniel Ricciardo.”

Free (requires F1 22) US-inspired content is also available now via the in-game mail as part of the race weekend celebrations. Until November 7, all players who log in will receive a Stars and Stripes livery, helmet, race suit, and gloves alongside The Griddy podium celebration for all player-created drivers.

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