Okay, last months I've played excessively these F1 games.
2018: Driving feel is great except for the front losing grip occasionally and somehow randomly (perhaps tyre overheating problem which was supposedly fixed on the later versions. I have an abandonware version which probably can't be patched), very bad over-aggressive kamikaze AI which ruins the otherwise excellent game.
2019: Driving feel is "light" and somehow less "connected" than on 2018. But way better and more reasonable AI, overall more complete game
2020: Wrong race calendar (due to COVID), one "fantasy" track Vietnam. Easily the best driving feel of all F1 games. I think this is the GOAT F1 game. AI is not quite as good as on 25 (a little too aggressive) but still very solid. Somehow this title got the driving very enjoyable. While the FFB has nowhere near Assetto Corsa level feedback, it's still very precise and connected which makes the driving enjoyable.
2021: Still an excellent game but not quite up to 2020 level.
2025: Started my third full season and I'm appreciating this game more and more. Probably the best AI, very stable game, the driving feel just not on par with 2020 but everything else is spot on. Rain AI still way too fast and flawless. Overall I think this might be the second best F1 game and now that they are offering this for -50% on Steam I think it's a great purchase if you like modern F1.
I think the latest patch also made the driver skill ratings better too. Now Hamilton is not fighting for the title anymore (like before the patch) and McLaren's are dominant. Not sure but it looks that way after just 2 races (Australia, China) in my latest season. I think F125 is pretty solid game overall and way improved over 22 which was crap and 23 (I skipped 24 so I have no idea).
Edit: I spoke too soon. In Suzuka Ferraris were on top positions again. The driver/team performance ratings are still screwed. Ferraris (esp. Hamilton) and Russell are way too fast and Verstappen & McLarens too slow. NOTE: This is a big issue on the season mode, I don't play career. Finished the race in 2nd. Hamilton won again, LeClerc 3rd. It's ridiculously unrealistic.This is the most annoying issue on F125 for sure.
Being a lifelong sim racer I'd say it's completely stupid to label these games as "simcades" as these titles have light years better AI than any of the "real sims", correct rules that none of the "real sims" can never duplicate (in their modern F1 mods) and excellent graphics... yes the FFB is not as connected as on AC, rF2 or LMU... but how do we really know how real F1 cars should drive?
PS: George Russel or Lando Norris (can't remember which one) said that F12020 drove way more realistic when the TC was set on (when they were testing the game). The driving was developed based on real drivers' feedback so I guess that explains the superior driving feel in 2020. When you try F125 with TC on, I think it's exaggerated how much it cuts the power on the corners. It was much more naturally executed on the older titles.
Merry (late) Christmas and happy new year to everyone!
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