Formula Onehas a rich, prominent history in gaming, and has been carrying the racing genre for as long as it exists. Over several decades, F1 has produced some authentic masterpieces, but also some disappointing, flawed games.Even in the arcade era, it was already popular with classics likePole Position(1982) andF-1 Grand Prix(1991). It’s gained momentum in the last two decades (like F1 racing itself), though it was making noise on consoles before that.
In the early days, there was also the simplerGrand Prixand its PC sequels — though trends shifted towards theF1console sims in the 2000s. The firstF1entry as it’s known today wasFormula 1(1996). After that, EA took their first shot at making the games between 1999 and 2002, when Sony began exclusivity. Oncetheirrun ended, theCodemastersera kicked off and continued until today — going full circle around the racetrack and being rebranded toEAafter they bought the British studio. This list will attempt to highlight which of the many F1 racers speed ahead of the crowded pack.
Updated on Jun 05, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:With the popularity of robust racing sims likeForza Motorsportand F1, it’s clear the genre has its place, especially as console horsepower improves to accommodate and mesh increasingly well with this realistic style. F1as a whole continues drawing fans time and time again. Watching teams spend millions customizing and perfecting their racing car, making them capable of breakneck speeds, is a great time. It’s easy to write off Formula 1 as a sport dominated by one team for years, but each season features several unique narratives and driver battles that make them worth checking out — like thegamingF1 entries. Fans of the sport who want to step into the shoes of an F1 racer can check out themost dynamic, refined, and thrilling F1 games.
Featuring a whopping 700 cars, smooth mechanics, and countless rich tracks, this Turn 10 Studios racer promises loads of thrilling, satisfying content for racing diehards, car enthusiasts, and newcomers alike. WhileForza Motorsport 7itself isn’t an F1-exclusive racer, it deserved at least a nod on account of its excellent sim gameplay — andparticularly a strong lineup of cool F1 cars.
Examples include the top-of-the-line Apollo Intensa Emozione. Thanks to their specialized engines and aerodynamic designs, players can experience evenhigherlevels of speed and exhilaration in this stand-out title in theForzafranchise, with the many F1 options available.
18Grand Prix 4 (Geoff Crammond)
Metascore: 77
For a game well over two decades old, this swan song in the computer-basedGrand Prixseries by Infogrames impresses on multiple levels. Thanks to its dynamic physics like wet weather driving and revised graphics engine, theracer holds up well on a technical level.
This is all despite having a rocky start with bugs and some questionably designed tracks that modders had a tough time cracking. Still, the game received several awards and esteem thanks to its flashy aesthetic, detailed design, and fun, fast-paced gameplay.
While it takes some getting used to for newbies, this iteration of theF1 Managerseries by Frontier Developments shines for its utter depth — in terms of gameplay, features, and visuals. Car enthusiasts and those who like maximum control in the games will both findF1 Manager 2022endlessly gripping and rewarding.
With countless ways to tinker with and upgrade cars (and other elements), players can enjoy juicing up performance and seeing the result during the far quicker-paced races — after playing around in endless menu/customization screens. Races and the campaign experience can also be highly modified and adjusted.
Players can do everything from changing racing speeds to pit stop positions to camera shots. It’s a highly detailed experience and a near-overload of details, but also polished and enjoyable.
16RFactor (2005)
Metascore: 85 (User)
Crafted largely as a spiritual successor to theF1 Challengeromps — sans actual F1 licensing —RFactorfeels both familiar while somewhat treading its own ground. This is especially true when it comes to the well-designed custom tracks featured. As is the case with the mainF1series,RFactorisn’t shy about being a highly in-depth, sim-heavy experience.
But while not too beginner-friendly, those who take the time to learn its mechanics and details will get much out of it. The game is particularly admired for its realistic physics and car mechanics in given conditions. Even before this release, Image Space Incorporated had ample practice crafting great sims, dating back to the early ’90s, and it shows here.
15Formula One Championship Edition
Metacritic Rating: 74 (PS3)
This one was very much at the top when it came out and remains an absolute classic. Although thegame is a refined remasterof theFormula One 06for PlayStation 2, its vast technical improvements in the jump to PlayStation 3 proved to be a game changer for all racing games.
Apart from amazing graphics, they added dynamic weather, a huge boost for the AI which made overtakes and racing as realistic as ever, the AI drivers would commit mistakes when pressured and try to overtake realistically, support for the Sixaxis, and later on with an update, force feedback support.
The first game to make it to this list is the most recent one.F1 Manager 2023is not what many may think of about F1 video games, yet it has one of the most refined experiences ever. All other games on this list are racing games, focused on bringing the experience of driving an F1 car to players. However, in this case, it’s about the experience of being a Team Principal.
Few casual fans will be found playing the elaborate F1 Manager. The second entry of the franchise, developed by Frontier Developments, focuses on the strategic and management side of the sport. A deep dive single-player game that will challenge players to build the best and most successful team while allowing for replays of key moments from the races that contribute to the enjoyment of a pure racing strategy title.
13F1 22
Metacritic Rating: 81 (PC, Xbox Series X/S)
It’s a shame that the digital version ofF1 22has been delisted since fans would’ve loved to check out an entry in the series that has been praised a ton despite some fan complaints. The F1 Life mode was not the most engaging feature and the changes to the F1 regulations meant that fans had to face a few issues when it came to the handling model.
However, there was no denying thatF1 22was one of the most polished games in the series at that point, with Codemasters' formula being perfected to a T and letting players enjoy one of thebest F1 gamesaround. If players get their hands on a physical copy, they’ll be able to enjoy something truly special with this game.
12F1 2016
Metacritic Rating: 82 (PS4)
Few games had to deal with more pressure thanF1 2016in the history of the franchise. F1 2015 was one of the worst entries to date. It removed the career mode for no reason and didn’t continue the upward spiral in terms of gameplay.
The response was a 10 full-season career mode where the player could even get fired if the results were bad. The best customization system up to that point, the Safety Car also returned while introducing the new Virtual Safety Car, a refined and more realistic gameplay system featuring manual race starts, manual pit lane entry, and formation lap. An overall solid game.
22 was a rather disappointing game, especially coming after two masterpieces, so EA was aware that a small effort wouldn’t suffice to satisfy the fans.F1 23came with Brake Point’s part 2, which aimed to combine the idea of the My Team mode with the story. At the same time, the introduction of F1 World was very well received as it massively improved the online playing experience.
The icing on the cake was a truly amazing jump in the AI’s response and decision-making, as well as a few boosts in the driving aspect and the comeback of Red Flags. It does miss a few features from past games, and the character creation and team’s designs need a big update, but overall worthy of the runner-up title. And what’s best,it’s possible to win races without a Red Bull.
10F1 2012
Metacritic Rating: 84 (XBOX 360)
Just one spot shy of finishing in the points comesF1 2012.One of the many Codemasters' gamesfeatured, the 2012 installment was as solid as any other, but perhaps it lacked the innovation or uniqueness that defines most of their games. The new modes introduced in this game didn’t stick around or were especially loved. For example, the Champions Mode.
The gameplay also felt a bit more arcade, which made the game more accessible, but to the disappointment of hardcore fans. Perhaps the best was the introduction of the One-Shot Qualifying option, which does remain in the franchise to this day.
9F1 2010
Metacritic Rating: 84 (PS3)
F1 2010is not only in the conversation as the bestFormula Onegame ever, it is in the conversation of the best racing game ever. This was the first licensed game in years and the first of the Codemasters period. It was a leap forward that has never even come close to being repeated. A game that left a mark on multiple generations of fans thanks to its simplistic yet unique and pure feel.
The career mode implemented in this game would make the player start from a bottom team and build their way up with results, becoming the first driver,improving and developing the carduring practice sessions, and testing skills to the limit. It was special, and the race winner by a healthy margin.
