F1 22 release date, with new ‘F1 Life’ mode, announced for July

The launch date is July 1. F1 22 will lean into the fast and flashy lifestyle that Formula One fans have seen over four seasons of Netflix’s popular documentary Formula 1: Survive by Driving. But some fans are wary that that means battle pass bling and microtransactions more than a new mode or an expansion of the game’s popular career.

F1 Life, as it is called, is “a new space for you to unlock and show off supercars, clothing, accessories, and more for the world to see,” according to publisher Electronic Arts. The game’s official website doesn’t expand on the thought. Commenters in the F1 series’ restive subreddit wondered why EA and developer Codemasters couldn’t bring back classic competition cars, which were last seen (and driveable in most modes) in F1 2020.

“Classic F1 cars would make it so much better,” said one user. “It’s an F1 game, not a normal car game.”

F1 2020 The Podium Pass was introduced in the original game of the series. It is a list of unlocked cosmetics and tiered loot that can be used across multiple modes. Pitcoin is a second currency that was introduced in the same year. Players must buy season tickets with Pitcoin. Pitcoin is acquired for real money, and sometimes is awarded in one of the Podium Pass’ tiers.

Grid View

The cosmetics in the Podium Pass so far involve a created driver’s racing suit, helmet, and gloves, and especially liveries for the multiplayer and career-mode car. F1 has not had any scenes in which the drivers were dressed in civilian clothing or street wear. It remains to be determined if F1 Life will include new cutscenes that show these customizations as the drivers move through the paddocks on their way to qualifying or practice, or something interactive.

Additional promises were made F1 22’s announcement on Thursday include “the opportunity to choose between immersive and broadcast style Formation Laps, Safety Car periods, and Pit Stops.” This likely points to an expansion of commentary from host David Croft and analyst Anthony Davidson, which so far has been limited to pre-race grid introductions and post-race driver-of-the-day honors, with zero audio from the pair during the race itself.

F1 cars are now much more diverse with new regulations and vehicles. F1 22 will reflect that, including the new shape of the rear wings, back canopies, and wheel guards that distinguish this year’s chassis. These aerodynamic improvements were designed to encourage tighter racing, more overtaking opportunities and better real-life situations. Codemasters states. F1 22 will feature “a new handling model that recreates the intense wheel-to-wheel racing that’s had us on the edge of our seats so far in the 2022 Formula 1 season.”

The game will include new courses such as Miami International Autodrome’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix, which will take place on May 8. Also, sprint format qualifying — where a shorter (100 km) race on Saturday sets the grid order for Sunday — will be included in all of the relevant modes. F1 Sprint races will be staged at three events this year, beginning with this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Italy. This format was first introduced to competition in 2013, but it was not used this year. F1 2021.