Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. CD-Action
    Oct 12, 2021
    90
    At first glance, this year’s installment of the Codemasters’ Formula 1 franchise might seem very similar to the game we played 12 months ago. However, the improved driving model and the revamped, more engaging story mode make F1 2021 a significant step forward and the best game in the series. [10/2021, p.52]
  2. Sep 16, 2021
    70
    F1 2021 is not the great evolution or the step forward that we expected. The reasons are in plain sight and neither the context nor what happens depends on Codemasters.
  3. Aug 30, 2021
    85
    Quotation forthcoming.
  4. Aug 16, 2021
    80
    Once again, F1 manages to be just a bit better in all the key areas. And, for the first time, there’s a documentary movie-inspired career mode that takes you right into the Formula 1 backstage. Overall, I guarantee you’ll spend dozens of hours on those circuits.
  5. Aug 10, 2021
    90
    Another smashing entry in the F1 series, and has left me wondering what more they could add for 2022 when that inevitably rolls out of the pits next year.
  6. Aug 6, 2021
    80
    F1 2021 is a continuation of simple, consistent and well oiled machine that it has done best. Falling short in the same areas it has always done, but scoring perfect points where it matters.
  7. Jul 30, 2021
    84
    F1 2021 captures the fascination ‘motorsport’ brilliantly and offers a lot with the story-mode, co-op career and revamped driving physics. But the brash Podium Pass as prime example for annoying in-app-purchases steadily continues to hamper the motivation.
  8. Jul 19, 2021
    90
    Overall, I find the game to run much smoother than F1 2020. It's great to see codemasters actually fixing issues from the last game to this game but only time will tell. Is it worth buying if you already own F1 2020? I don't think so, unless you are a hardcore F1 fan and really want to try Braking Point. For me, the biggest reason to buy it would be for the co-op career, which just seems like too much fun having your friend as a rival or even a team mate and dominating the season. Hopefully this gives way into maybe having a co-op My Team game mode in the future. Seems like a great step forward and I'm glad EA being involved hasn't influenced Codemasters that much.
  9. Jul 16, 2021
    90
    F1 2021 has undeniably struggled with COVID and the limitations it has put on both the sport and the game. However, either despite or because of these limitations, this manages a step forward that the series failed to take two years ago, it brings a genuine story to the game. Braking Point is an undeniable success and, one would hope, marks a starting point in which Codemasters can advance as the series moves forward. Beyond this new mode, almost every aspect has been polished to a diamond-like shine, with the only aspects needing improvement are the MyTeam mode, which already looks lacking as a story of progression when compared to Braking Point, and the poor AI in team management. Despite this minor issue, there's no doubt in my mind that this is the best of the franchise so far and a great launching point to the next generation.
  10. Jul 16, 2021
    90
    F1 2021 is a very good vintage. While remaining in technical and graphic excellence, the game adds an extra layer of links with real F1 and a bit of emotion with the Breaking Point mode. It is still very much into online gaming and even more so with career co-op. There is also a lot to do in all areas (management, development, tuning, driving), depending on the level of complexity that you have adapted to your tastes. A must have for any Formula One fan.
  11. Jul 15, 2021
    90
    In F1 2021, Codemasters expands the strengths of the predecessor and only slips up small with Braking Point.
  12. Jul 13, 2021
    85
    This is one of the best entries in the series, that offers very solid gameplay as well as fair amount of game modes, including a very interesting campaign with a lot of potential.
  13. Jul 13, 2021
    80
    For its first lap on the next-gen, the Codemasters F1 series manages to offer content at the level.
  14. Jul 13, 2021
    94
    The new game has applied a generous amount of polish to the things that it carried forward, and the new modes, such as Braking Point and the two-player career mode, add some appreciable entertainment to a solid racing game. It is equally enjoyable to an F1 nut as to someone who is entering the sport fandom, and I have been having a great time whenever I fire it up for a few laps.
  15. Jul 13, 2021
    80
    There’s enough here to keep the die-hard fans happy and more than enough to enable newcomers to further explore their love for the sport. Simply lovely.
  16. Jul 12, 2021
    90
    F1 2021 is a great racing game with a lot of content, but also with a few weak spots. The AI could behave more realistically. Also, the damage model is still too weak, although it has been improved. If you enjoyed F1 2020 or any of Codemasters' other recent F1 games, are a motorsport fan or want to immerse yourself in the world of Formula 1, F1 2021 is the perfect opportunity to lose yourself in the virtual top class of motorsport for countless hours.
  17. Jul 12, 2021
    85
    F1 2021 is an extremely complete experience that the racing fans should definitely check out. Veterans will feel right at home, while newcomers shouldn't be too afraid of the mechanics thanks to all the accessibility options.
  18. Jul 12, 2021
    90
    The beauty of F1 2021 is that it makes you want to learn about that, it makes racing on a track more rewarding on Lap 3 than it was on Lap 2. More fun the second time versus that first-run. It’s not perfect, seeing racers celebrate is always weird (they always do the exact same ‘Champagne Robot Dance’) and certain locations have that clinical sim-look that lacks warmth. With a little bit of extra personality and detail found in the seemingly incidental, then the F1 series has potential to be even better. As it stands, Codemasters has delivered a gem -- a fast and exhilarating racer for casual racing fans and F1 aficionados alike.
  19. Jul 12, 2021
    85
    The latest iteration of Formula One racing games, the pinnacle of motorsport. 8. Overall, F1 2021 still provides an unrivaled and amazing racing experience thanks to its MyTeam and Career modes, as well as a multitude of options to help fine-tune your racing style. Unfortunately, it's marred by a disappointing and disjointed Braking Point flagship story. Moreover, the improvements and changes to existing modes aren't as impactful as I had hoped. As such, if F1 2021 isn't as compelling if you extensively played last year's offering.
  20. Jul 12, 2021
    89
    The feeling with the F1 cars in the game is good in every single corner and if you're a motorsport fan you'll love the new career modes.
  21. Jul 12, 2021
    90
    The 2021 edition of the F1 franchise has is sweet spot in the driving model improvements. Tossing the joypad aside and using wheel and pedals, it’s nice to look back at the old chapters and appreciate the evolution of a game born as a simularcade, to become a completely different beast in the span of five years.
  22. Jul 12, 2021
    83
    F1 2021 embraces next-gen unlocking performances and introducing themes consoles had never met before, such as 120fps and ray tracing. On top of that, it improves its content offer with new modes and retains its successful, nuanced simularcade driving experience - and that, despite some old flaw, makes for one of the best racing games around.
  23. Jul 12, 2021
    92
    F1 2021 is the apex point of these last three editions. The simcade gameplay is refined at its best and the new game modes are solid, impressive and fun. In the best F1 year to date since long time, we have the best F1 game ever.
  24. Jul 12, 2021
    85
    F1 2021 continues where it left off with F1 2020 when it comes to core-gameplay. It brings well-needed changes to the UI and brings a few extra modes to choose from. For a season that is otherwise the same as the previous one, Codemasters did a great job of bringing changes to make it feel fresh in some ways. Issues from previous installments such as randomly placed tracklimits and occasional crashes are carried over. Something Codemasters could fix by bringing an update to the game (instead of track).
  25. Jul 12, 2021
    80
    F1 2021 is the best-looking and most customisable instalment of series so far and, while it's a little plain, the new story mode is a well-executed and fun new addition.
  26. Jul 12, 2021
    91
    Another superlative simulation of the Formula One world, now with an enjoyable story mode too.
  27. Jul 12, 2021
    80
    As an F1 newbie, I couldn’t be happier with F1 2021. Getting behind the wheel in a virtual capacity has given me a new appreciation for the sport. It’s taught me so much about its inner workings, both on and off the track. I couldn’t recommend it enough for fans new and old, and it’s well worth a punt even if you’re just looking for a reliable sim racing game. F1 2021 is only let down by a few frustrating glitches (that will hopefully be ironed out) and an ambitious narrative mode that was too cliche for my taste. But ultimately, the gameplay is truly top-notch, and there are enough modes and features that you’ll undoubtedly get your money’s worth.
  28. Jul 12, 2021
    85
    Whether you’re a fan of Formula 1, a die-hard sim enthusiast or even just a casual racing game fan then it’s hard to go past F1 2021. There’s something for everyone in this years offering, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to the new tracks later this year.
  29. Jul 12, 2021
    80
    The package is a refinement of the strong showing from last year’s game with a better visual presentation thanks to the stronger hardware afforded by the newest generation of consoles. The new Braking Point story mode is put front and center, but it drives clumsily over the same awful speed bumps that made similar story modes like Madden’s Longshot a forgettable diversion.
  30. Jul 12, 2021
    80
    Much like the sport itself, the driving is as impressive as ever. But the worries about management’s business practices endure, too. Fundamentally, F1 2021 is worth it for the handling model.
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  1. Jul 12, 2021
    F1 2021 is a show from start to finish. The enormous number of game modes already available, added to the incorporation this year of the career mode for two players, its versatility when it comes to offering an experience for all types of users and the good game that comes out of the DualSense in the version of PS5 are its strongest points. The Braking Point story mode is a very interesting addition when it comes to offering different challenges, but it lacks some punch in narrative terms, I hope they do not abandon it and improve this facet for next year. However, we are facing a very solid team that takes great advantage of the new generation of consoles. Make you feel like a real F1 driver. Very complete, addictive and tremendously entertaining. [Recommended]
User Score
4.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 99
  2. Negative: 53 out of 99
  1. Jul 18, 2021
    3
    This game should be named F1 2077. The amount of bugs, frequent crashes and egodumpers is unbelievable.
    - Force feedback works 20% of the
    This game should be named F1 2077. The amount of bugs, frequent crashes and egodumpers is unbelievable.
    - Force feedback works 20% of the time, need to run game with admin privileges to have it on
    - Game freezes for 1s when you start 1 lap qualifying pulling the steering wheel sharply to one side
    - Track limits are ridiculous - either you can abuse them without penalty or get one by driving as you should using curbs
    - Speaking of curbs - are they made of ice?
    - Multiplayer de-synchro is still here (you may not see your opponent on the track when in lobby, but on your opponent's screen you're forcing him off the track)
    - Safety Car - you can overtake during SC conditions without penalty, but try passing by car that's off the track and the game will ask you to give that position back.
    - Count of tracks during release day is super low - they have even removed short versions of the circuits giving nothing back, Spain is in old configuration, zero new tracks added.

    On the positive side - driving feels better (when FFB works), now dabbing accelerate on 4th or 5th gear won't send you spinning like crazy, but curbs will.

    It looks like they have focused a lot on breaking point and single player career for reviewers who will play the game 5h and come back next year playing the same game with different UI and giving high scores again.

    There is no fixes compared to 2020 for multiplayer. True gamers that race in online leagues will have another year of struggles and workarounds.
    Full Review »
  2. Jul 18, 2021
    3
    As a beta tester of this game, this is basically a commercial version of beta.

    +Another year this game makes an improvement in terms of
    As a beta tester of this game, this is basically a commercial version of beta.

    +Another year this game makes an improvement in terms of handling model, it feels amazing
    +Lots of tracks did get an update and are much more similar to real life
    +Two player career, it's a good gamemode to play with your friends
    +AI behaviour feels improved comparing to last year

    -This product has a feeling of a beta game - A LOT of bugs and glitches, which are present from 2019
    -Multiplayer is completely trash. Connection problems, dirty drivers, harder setup of the lobby (like it's more difficult to create a lobby because of the changes in the UI)
    -Sounds are glitchy and laggy, also the optimisation of the game isn't great, you get huge FPS drops driving on grass or gravel
    -Breaking point is a pure disappointment, I felt no excitement at all, this mode is just dull and boring, like you get through very easy objectives (which you can't make any harder than AI on lvl 70; in game max AI level is 110), which lead to stupid cutscenes, where you basically only watch them, it's more like a movie with boring objectives to do in the middle of a chapter
    -Some car models are outdated, for example Aston Martin's halo
    -Price, I've paid like 70 euro for the deluxe version and I regret it.

    As a veteran playing this game from 2010, this doesn't deserve any higher rating. And EA is coming, so it's not a bright future for the F1 game series.
    Full Review »
  3. Jul 17, 2021
    4
    - They picked a pure white background for the UI and every time it pops out it blinds and you and hurt your eyes.
    - Every time a UI sound
    - They picked a pure white background for the UI and every time it pops out it blinds and you and hurt your eyes.
    - Every time a UI sound fires, all the other sounds skip for a fraction of a second, hopefully it's a bug and they will fix it.
    - They removed the very clear and practical development tree and add a new interface which is hard to read (vertical texts!?), navigate and understand. If it ain't broke don't fix it..
    - Every time you are in the garage and pass across the camera section you have this annoying and very noisy clip with the F1 logo which pisses you off.
    - They reduced the fast forward speed and it takes ages to skip to the end of a session and if you use the shortcut it will not bring you back to the computer room.
    - Drivers ratings are all over the place. Coulthard has a higher rating than Rosberg who is a World Champion and won against Hamilton!?
    - The new tracks are missing..
    - The old tracks haven't been updated..
    - They copy-pasted everything else..literally copy-pasted..it's unbelievable..

    What exactly did they do in one year beside ruining the UI? Unless you want an updated roster, buy the old game, this one suck and it will only gets worse because of EA..

    Finally EA increased the prices of the game in poor countries by a huge amount, so many gamers can no longer afford the game, but EA doesn't care cause is gonna milk people from rich countries anyway.
    Full Review »