F1 24 is set to introduce some of the biggest changes the racing series has ever seen. Following the reveal of the massive physics update earlier this week, Codemasters has now unveiled the changes coming to Career Mode. For the first time, the developers will allow players to pick one of the current Formula One superstars or even a legendary driver like Ayrton Senna or Michael Schumacher. Here's an overview provided by Codemasters:
Race as your hero, become their hero, or embrace a sporting icon
- Excite the fans by racing as a current F1 or F2 superstar
- Create your own path by racing as yourself
- Enter the Championship as an icon of the sport
Determine the path to becoming an F1 Legend
- Join via Formula 2 as an F2 driver or as your own player avatar
- Perform in F2 to strengthen your negotiating power when moving to F1
- Influence over your team and your position in the Driver Market is the key to success
Driver Ratings
- In-game representation of driver ability and progress, forming a progression structure central to the F1 24 Driver Career experience
- Every driver (F1, F2, Icon, and Custom) will have a defined starting set of ratings
- The main goal will be to improve ratings over races and seasons
Everything in Career Mode will be driven by the new Driver Recognition system. Players will be tasked with specific goals during race weekends, contract targets, and season-long specific goals. As their reputation grows, they will get new offers from teams, and much like the real world, they can participate in secret contract meetings with rival teams to secure the best seat on the grid. Of course, these meetings bring an element of risk that their current team would find out. The players' performance on track and how they achieve their goals will impact the bargaining power in the marketplace.
The reputation also ties into the updated R&D system. As the player's reputation grows, the team will be more eager to design and build new parts. The upgrades will be produced far quicker and with a smaller chance of the parts failing.
Another new feature added to Career Mode in F1 24 is Accolades. These milestones are tied to each driver based on their real achievements in the sport. If you choose to play as a custom driver, the Accolades will be a blank slate at first, acquiring Accolades as you play the Career Mode. Whoever you choose, your career progression will earn you Accolades based on your performances, such as the number of race starts, points finishes, wins, podiums, and more.
If you've got a fellow friend, you can play together in the Two-Player Career for a completely different experience. Lastly, in the shorter Challenge Career, you’re put into the shoes of an existing driver and team, and events will be the same for all players. Completing them will earn you points and a spot on the global leaderboard.
At the end of the multi-week season, the player with the most points will be crowned the
champion of Challenge Career. Future Challenge Careers will be determined by player
voting and real driver influences, which will affect the choice of driver and circuits you will
have to master.
F1 24 is out on May 31 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X.
