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 confirmed that the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, better known as Portimao, will be added on August 2 to EA Sports F1 22 as a free circuit update for all players.

Players will also receive China’s Shanghai International Circuit on September 12. Players can re-live the historic track through F1 22 footage captured using back-to-back Formula 1 Grande Prémio De Portugal winner Lewis Hamilton in this year’s W13 car in the trailer above.

“We know our players love the thrill of competing on more circuits, and they don’t get much better than Portimao,” said Lee Mather, F1® Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. “Portimao is highly revered with a proud history, and our players will love the challenge of taking the 2022-designed cars onto the hallowed circuit for the first time.” 

Portimao returned to the Formula 1 calendar for the 2020 and 2021 seasons as part of the revised F1® calendars. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes dominated both years, taking victory, with then-teammate Valtteri Bottas claiming second and third place, respectively. The 4.684 km undulating circuit is famous for its sharp descent before a final right turn and full-throttle to the finish line.

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