F1 23 updates Red Bull Ring, gameplay showcased, physics explained

Hosted by F1 journalist Natalie Pinkham, it covers a range of topics, from brief glimpses at the new Qatar and Las Vegas circuits to the 35 per cent length races and red flags.

The new handling physics

Arguably the most important feature for this year’s official Formula 1 driving game is the vehicle handling, as F1 22’s left a little to be desired.

With this in mind, the Codemasters Birmingham development team has double-down on refinishing how the cars go around the tracks – if the most recent deep dive video is anything to go by.

Low-speed traction is said to be increased for more ‘predictable and authentic’ on-track behaviour. How tyre slip interacts with the car’s inertia has been re-calibrated with real-world team feedback.

Behaviour over kerbs is also said to have been tweaked thanks to a revised undertray.

The proof will be how this is fed back to you, the driver, and until we go hands-on, it remains to be seen if improvements have been made. What we can say, though, is that at least the physics have been mentioned first and foremost.

All of this is aimed to help those with a steering wheel peripheral, although the way gamepads interact with the title has also been updated, labelled ‘Precision Drive’.

First look and new and updated tracks

Qatar’s Losail International Circuit and the new Las Vegas Street Circuit will both be in the game from launch, and this video features our first real look at the venues, which are both set to run at night.

While the F1 games sadly do not utilise laser scan technology like titles such as Gran Turismo or Assetto Corsa Competizione to recreate circuits – perhaps leading to some wayward bumps and corner profiles at times – the Las Vegas track doesn’t exist in the real world yet anyway. So, it’s been created using extensive photography of the location.

On first impressions, the scenery – casinos and the Eiffel Tower Restaurant – are the main draw, but perhaps not the asphalt layout itself.

One thing we picked up is this shot of the Red Bull Ring, which looks to feature the additional ‘Turn 3’ chicane, used for MotoGP. While not in use, it does hint at a refreshed track, which we hope is the case for the full lap.

The general look and feel of the game so far aren’t significantly different from F1 2021 and F1 22 – it’s still using the underlying game technology – but we also spotted a new steering wheel display design.

35 per cent length races are highlighted once again and so are red flags. Returning for the first time since F1 2014, they can be caused not only by crashes but also by broken-down vehicles and even extreme rain.

The next deep dive instalment is scheduled for 19^th May, while the F1 23 game launches on 16th June.