F1 Manager 2024 Review | Significant Upgrades But Still Needs a Few Pit Stops

76
Story
7
Gameplay
8
Visuals
8
Audio
8
Value For Money
7
Price:
$ 35
Reviewed on:
PC
F1 Manager 2024 is a significant step forward for the series, offering a rich and rewarding management experience. While it has its flaws, such as repetitive core mechanics and the absence of dynamic driver relationships, the strategic depth, new features, and improved AI make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game strikes a good balance between simplicity and complexity, making it appealing to both new players and seasoned veterans. Despite its shortcomings, the game provides a compelling experience that stands out in the genre.
F1 Manager 2024
Gameplay & Story Release Date Pre-Order & DLC Review

F1 Manager 2024 is the latest entry in the world of F1 management sims. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

F1 Manager 2024 Review Overview

What is F1 Manager 2024?

F1 Manager 2024 once again places players in the role of team principal, leading their chosen teams to victory from the pit wall. Whether you start from the ground up by creating your own team or take the reins at one of the top-performing F1 teams, this game offers a comprehensive management simulation experience. Unlike traditional racing games, F1 Manager 2024 focuses on the strategic and operational aspects of the sport, giving you control over every detail both on and off the track. You'll manage everything from your drivers and their training staff to the facilities and their mental fortitude.

F1 Manager 2024 features:
 ⚫︎ Manage Official F1 Teams and Drivers
 ⚫︎ Real-time Race Strategy
 ⚫︎ Dynamic Weather and Track Conditions
 ⚫︎ Realistic Financial Management
 ⚫︎ Detailed Telemetry and Data Analysis
 ⚫︎ Authentic Race Weekends
 ⚫︎ Advanced scouting and recruitment system

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about F1 Manager 2024's gameplay and story.


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F1 Manager 2024 Pros & Cons

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Pros Cons
Checkmark Strategic Depth
Checkmark Create-A-Team Feature
Checkmark Improved AI
Checkmark Repetitive Core Gameplay
Checkmark Lack of Driver Dynamics
Checkmark Limited Innovation from Previous Titles

F1 Manager 2024 Overall Score - 76/100

F1 Manager 2024 is a significant step forward for the series, offering a rich and rewarding management experience. While it has its flaws, such as repetitive core mechanics and the absence of dynamic driver relationships, the strategic depth, new features, and improved AI make it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game strikes a good balance between simplicity and complexity, making it appealing to both new players and seasoned veterans. Despite its shortcomings, the game provides a compelling experience that stands out in the genre.

F1 Manager 2024 Story - 7/10

The story in F1 Manager 2024 is essentially what you make of it through your management decisions. There isn't a traditional narrative, but the emergent stories that unfold as you manage your team and drivers provide some drama and intrigue. While the Create-a-Team mode adds a personal narrative element, the game primarily focuses on simulation and management rather than storytelling. The lack of deeper narrative elements might leave some players wanting more.

F1 Manager 2024 Gameplay - 8/10

Gameplay is where F1 Manager 2024 truly shines. The depth of strategic options available is impressive, from deciding pit strategies to managing tire wear and fuel consumption. The addition of the Create-A-Team feature and improved AI further enrich the gameplay experience. However, the repetitive nature of some core mechanics and the absence of dynamic driver relationships prevent it from being perfect. The strategic decisions and management aspects are highly engaging, but the lack of variety in some tasks can reduce long-term enjoyment.

F1 Manager 2024 Visuals - 8/10

The visuals are solid, with detailed car models and race tracks that capture the essence of F1. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the various management screens. However, there aren't significant visual upgrades from the previous installment, and some animations can feel a bit stiff. The overall aesthetic is pleasing and enhances immersion, but the minimal improvements over previous games and occasional stiff animations can be a slight letdown.

F1 Manager 2024 Audio - 8/10

The audio experience is generally good, with realistic engine sounds and ambient race noises that enhance immersion. The commentary and team radio chatter add to the atmosphere, although they can become repetitive. The lack of variety in audio feedback during races is a minor drawback. The sound design effectively conveys the excitement and intensity of F1 races, but the repetitive nature of some audio elements can detract from the overall experience.

F1 Manager 2024 Value for Money - 7/10

Priced at $34.99, F1 Manager 2024 offers substantial value. The game provides a deep and engaging management experience with plenty of replayability, thanks to the new features and improvements. Compared to the previous installment, the price point feels justified given the enhancements made. However, the imperfect gameplay can impact the perception of value for some players, making it a solid but not exceptional investment.

F1 Manager 2024 Review: Significant Upgrades But Still Needs a Few Pit Stops

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As a fan of racing management sims, I approached F1 Manager 2024 with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Having recently played last year’s entry, I was curious to see if this installment would bring meaningful improvements or simply rehash familiar ground. I'm pleased to report that F1 Manager 2024 offers a blend of both, with some standout new features and a few lingering issues.

The Create-A-Team feature is undoubtedly the highlight of this year’s game. It allows players to bring their own unique team to the F1 grid, offering a high level of customization and engagement. Building a team from scratch, selecting drivers, staff, and designing your car's livery adds a fresh layer of immersion that kept me hooked for hours. This mode alone significantly boosts the game’s replayability, as each new team creation offers a different experience.

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Strategically, the game excels in providing a deep and complex management experience. Deciding when to pit drivers, instructing them on tire management, and timing their qualifying runs based on track conditions and traffic were some of the most satisfying aspects of the gameplay. These decisions felt impactful and often made the difference between winning and losing.

However, the core gameplay loop can become repetitive over time. The process of sending cars out for practice, tweaking setups based on their feedback, and repeating can feel monotonous, especially for veterans of the series. While the new features add some variety, the fundamental mechanics remain largely unchanged from previous games.

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One area where F1 Manager 2024 could have significantly improved is in driver dynamics. The absence of a rivalry or relationship system between drivers and the team is a missed opportunity. Such a system could have added a fascinating layer of realism, where drivers' compliance or resistance to team orders could affect race outcomes. Imagine asking a driver to let their teammate pass based on their relationship dynamics and level of professionalism, it would have added depth and unpredictability to the races.

The game's visuals are commendable, with detailed car models and realistic race tracks that capture the essence of F1. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the various management screens. However, the visual improvements over last year’s installment are minimal, and some animations still lack fluidity.

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Audio-wise, F1 Manager 2024 does a decent job. The engine sounds and ambient race noises enhance the immersive experience, while the team radio chatter adds authenticity. However, the commentary can become repetitive, and there's a lack of variety in audio feedback during races.

In conclusion, F1 Manager 2024 is a step in the right direction for the series. It offers a compelling management experience with strategic depth and engaging new features like the Create-A-Team mode. While it still has some flaws, this version is a welcomed addition to the series.

Pros of F1 Manager 2024

Things F1 Manager 2024 Got Right
Checkmark Strategic Depth
Checkmark Create-A-Team Feature
Checkmark Improved AI

Strategic Depth

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F1 Manager 2024 excels in offering a deep and engaging strategic experience. I particularly enjoyed the thrill of determining the optimal moments to pit drivers, instructing them on when to conserve their tires or push for an attack, and making crucial decisions during qualifying sessions based on track and traffic conditions. This level of control made every race feel dynamic and immersive, allowing me to experience the intensity and unpredictability of real F1 races.

Create-A-Team Feature

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The introduction of the Create-A-Team feature is a significant addition that brings a new layer of personalization and engagement. Building and managing a custom team from the ground up, including selecting drivers, staff, and designs, provides a fresh and compelling challenge that enhances the replayability of the game. This feature offers players the opportunity to craft their unique racing narrative and experiment with different team dynamics and strategies.

Improved AI and Gameplay Mechanics

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The enhancements in AI behavior and the introduction of mechanical failures contribute to a more realistic and unpredictable racing experience. These improvements make each race more thrilling, as unexpected events can dramatically change the outcome, keeping you on your toes. Additionally, the game's financial management system has been refined, adding depth to the economic aspects of running an F1 team.

Cons of F1 Manager 2024

Things That F1 Manager 2024 Can Improve
Checkmark Repetitive Core Gameplay
Checkmark Lack of Driver Dynamics
Checkmark Limited Innovation from Previous Titles

Repetitive Core Gameplay

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Despite the new features, the core gameplay loop can feel repetitive, especially for those who have played previous entries. The process of sending cars out for practice sessions, tweaking setups, and repeating can become monotonous over time, lacking significant innovation in the core mechanics. While the strategic depth is impressive, the repetitive nature of these tasks can detract from the overall enjoyment and longevity of the game.

Lack of Driver Dynamics

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One notable absence is the lack of a driver rivalry or relationship system. A feature that allows drivers to interact dynamically with each other and the team would have added depth to the management experience. It would be fascinating to see drivers' compliance or resistance to team orders based on their relationships, adding a layer of realism. This dynamic would enhance the strategic complexity, making team management more nuanced and engaging.

Limited Innovation from Previous Titles

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While F1 Manager 2024 introduces several welcome improvements, it doesn't radically innovate beyond its predecessors. Players familiar with F1 Manager 2023 may notice only incremental changes rather than a significant overhaul. This sense of continuity might disappoint those expecting a more transformative experience.

Is F1 Manager 2024 Worth It?

It’s a Podium Finish!

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For $34.99, F1 Manager 2024 delivers a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your pit wall. While it may not completely overhaul the core gameplay, the improvements and new features rev up the excitement and add depth to the management experience. So, if you're ready to take the wheel and manage a team, F1 Manager 2024 is a must-have in your gaming garage.


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$34.99


F1 Manager 2024 FAQ

What Can I Get in the Deluxe Edition of F1 Manager 2024?

The F1 Manager 2024 Deluxe Edition can get you an additional five customisable livery patterns for the Create-A-Team mode and five scenarios for Race Replay mode.

What languages are supported by F1 Manager 2024?

F1 Manager 2024 has voice over and text support for English, French, Italian, German, European Spanish, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Simplified Chinese and Japanese.

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F1 Manager 2024 Product Information

F1 Manager 2024 Banner
Title F1 MANAGER 2024
Release Date July 23, 2024
Developer Frontier Developments
Publisher Frontier Developments
Supported Platforms PC(Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre Sports, Simulation, Racing
Number of Players 1
Rating ESRB E
Official Website F1 Manager 2024 Official Website

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