F1 Manager 2023 is aiming to improve the in-race action, with what’s said to be smoother driver behaviours, less repetitive crashes, differing racing lines, greater tyre temperature simulation and pitcrew training. Plus, the additional role of Sporting Director and sprint events.
But, some features have been held back for a later reveal, until now. As pre-orders go live, there’s now further insight.
Race Replay mode detailed
It also witnesses the debut of the first gameplay mode for the series outside of the main managerial career – Race Replay.
After every remaining race this season, there will be in-game scenarios replicating real-world events, with the option of recreating these events from a set point (Race Moments) or when the lights go out (Starting Grid).
We were recently shown an example scenario, taken from April’s Australian Grand Prix. It places us at the helm of the McLaren team, 29 laps into the race, with the aim of trying to elevate Oscar Piastri from 13th, behind Yuki Tsunoda, and into the points. There’s been an early red flag, and the team has already completed one pitstop.
It’s then over to you to make use of the tools at your disposal to complete the objective. How long after each race a new challenge will appear in-game is not yet clear at this point, but from launch, there will be scenarios from each of the previously completed grand prix.
The game will also include Las Vegas and Qatar tracks from launch, and alongside the release date announcement is a very fleeting look of the latter in the evening sun.
Visor Cam
A new camera angle has been added this year, in creator Frontier Development’s quest for a TV broadcast-style production quality. The visor angle aims to replicate such camera placement seen in real-world broadcasts.
One often overlooked feature of F1 Manager 2022 was the ability to switch between any angle and any car at any point of the race, and now there’s an additional viewpoint to enjoy.
Release date and pre-order bonuses
F1 Manager 2023 will be released on 31st July 2023 digitally for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It has a suggested retail price of £44.99/$54.99/€54.99. A physical console release will follow at a later, to-be-confirmed, date.
Those who pre-order ahead of launch will receive access to three additional Race Replay scenarios to play through.
F1 Manager 2023 Deluxe Edition
Alongside the standard versions, a Deluxe Edition will offer four days of early access from the 27th July 2023. This time, 12 additional Race Replay scenarios will be included for a suggested retail price of £54.99/$64.99/€64.99
