F1 23: 5 Best Tips for Beginners

Another season is here. The sixteenth installment of the F1 series by Codemasters is where all the hype is. As with other titles before it, every launch is destined for greatness with a new set of improvements. But this time around, expect only a handful of changes. The game also tweaks the driving physics, keeping the true balance of simulation and arcade.

Therefore, to emulate the prowess of Hamilton and Verstappen, the game calls for mastering the track. For newbies, the captivating battle between man and machine relies on skill and strategy. So if you aim to be the first to zoom past the checkered flag, here’s F1:23 five best tips for beginners.

5. Back to Basics – AI Difficulty

Before jumping into the game, it’s prudent to understand its basics. 

This entails learning the features, and we recommend reviewing the settings. From here, you can adjust your AI difficulty, which changes the game’s overall difficulty. The ideal difficulty level is a slightly higher pace than what you can handle. The game will be too easy if you set a very low difficulty. The same can be said for a higher difficulty, which makes the game too hard to enjoy.

So how do you find your ideal difficulty? 

Set the AI difficulty at 75% and take it to the circuit in the one-shot qualifying session. After setting up your qualifying lap, you can see your car’s performance on the grid. This is your ultimate pace. If you are ahead of the competition, consider changing your difficulty upward. Take the AI difficulty a notch down if you’re at the rear end. 

Once you find a suitable difficulty, you can keep making adjustments as you race. Remember to always stick to a higher difficulty level to make the game competitive.

4. Driving Assists

F1 2023 offers a range of driving assists designed to make the game accessible to players of all skill levels. 

From traction control to anti-lock braking systems (ABS), these assists can provide a safety net as you get acclimated to the game mechanics. Assists offer a range of options to make the game easier for beginners or those who simply want a more casual experience. 

They also allow advanced players to fine-tune their gameplay for a more realistic and challenging simulation.

As a beginner in F1 23, automatic gears, ABS, and traction control are the ideal things to start with. Traction controls the rear wheels and prevents them from spinning; ABS shields your vehicle from lockups; and automatic gears shift the gears automatically. Another assist is the Dynamic Racing Line. This guides you on when to accelerate and brake.

Moreover, steering and braking assist should be off since they take away from the actual vehicle handling experience. Plus, it also interrupts the smooth gameplay. Start with a selection of assists turned on, and as your confidence grows, gradually dial them down for a more authentic and challenging experience.

3. Learn the Button Mappings

Navigating the complex controls of an F1 car in F1 2023 might seem daunting. However, breaking down the button mappings into essential functions can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable for beginners. 

Ideally, the critical buttons to map are the throttle, steering, and break. Aside from these, you also need to master the MFD multi-function display. 

Essentially, the MFD is a digital cockpit interface akin to the instrument panel in a fighter jet. It serves as a bridge between the driver and the car’s advanced technology, allowing instantaneous communication and interaction. In F1 23, the MFD is present at the bottom right of the screen as a HUD element. With this, you can scroll through various button mappings. 

Furthermore, the Drag Reduction System (DRS) is also an important feature. The button reduces aerodynamic drag to increase straight-line speed. It can only be activated on certain parts of the track if you’re within one second of the car in front. So not only is it indispensable to know what these buttons can do, but where they’re located as well.

2. The Game Modes

In F1 23, we witnessed the return of ‘Braking Point’, a mode that debuted in F1 2021. Aside from this, the game offers a variety of modes, including ‘My Team Game Mode’ and ‘Career Mode’. There’s little change in the modes compared to the predecessors, but the premise remains the same. The modes allow you to customize your experience and how you’ll execute the perfect racing season.

After setting up your vehicle and understanding the basics, it’s time to test it on the track. The game offers both online and offline modes. 

However, for an easier time, Grand Prix mode and trial mode help you learn the ropes. You can explore the brake point once you’re acquainted with the controls. The mode offers an immersive storyline for racing, letting you step in the shoes of the protagonist, Aiden Jackson. 

For a deeper feel of the gameplay, you can jump into the Grand Prix events. The events are custom races against the AI. However, exploring this mode is best done after familiarizing yourself with the entry-level modes. 

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

It’s often said that Rome wasn’t built in one day, and neither will you race as well as Lewis Hamilton after a single try. 

Like any skill, practice is essential for improvement. Spend time in time trial mode to hone your skills. 

You can also experiment with different setups to find what suits your style and gradually fine-tune your racing strategies. Consistent practice will enhance your driving skills and build your confidence in high-pressure situations.

Before hitting the tracks for a race, it’s ideal to spend the first few sessions understanding your car and how to operate it. As mentioned earlier, the time trial mode is suitable for practice sessions. It allows you to test out different track and car combinations. 

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our F1 23 best tips for beginners? Are there more tips we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.