F1 25 Hands-On Preview Part Three: Braking Point 3 Delivers More Drive to Survive-Style Drama at the Forefront

Diving into the Braking Point modes of the F1 series has always been an intriguing exercise, evolving alongside the sport’s own TV-like dramatization. If you’re not particularly drawn to the game’s real-world simulation or prefer spending more time on the track, Braking Point might not hit the mark for you. Nonetheless, it certainly has its fans and fits its niche well.

Drama is a big part of what captivates us about racing, and that’s only become more evident as time goes on. This adds a layer of engagement—perhaps for better, or perhaps for worse—depending on your perspective. But if you’re one of those who enjoy a bit of spectacle with your Grand Prix, the third chapter of Braking Point in F1 25 is shaping up to be quite the promising experience.

“When we first introduced the characters in Braking Point ’21, and later brought in the Konnersport team in ’23, authenticity was crucial,” said Gavin Cooper, the creative director, as he discussed this year’s mode. “It didn’t seem believable if those characters just started bagging championships right from the get-go.”

Braking Point 3 shifts gears here. Konnersport is climbing the ranks after an infusion of investment and a strong start in testing, setting the stage to challenge F1’s existing titans. Cooper hinted at a major early plot twist that sends the team into disarray, and from my brief experience, it seems the ongoing saga with the Butler family—well-known to long-time players—will continue to play a pivotal role.

Picking up from where Braking Point 2 left off, Aiden Jackson and Callie Mayer form the driving duo. Players can choose between them for key story events and races. Codemasters promises more player agency this time, offering varied on-track objectives and narrative elements based on your choice. An alternate ending also awaits those who favor one driver more than the other, keeping things fresh and worth exploring.

During my hands-on, I chose Mayer for the initial events. The first was a routine testing session in Bahrain, involving a few laps to get a grip on the car. However, things spiced up with a race at Imola, where an early collision with a certain Dutch Red Bull driver put us behind, and I had to claw my way back into the top three before the race concluded, passing Verstappen by a specific lap for extra points. Being new to this version, I kept driver aids minimal and cranked up the difficulty, resulting in a tough battle as the field stretched out. Adjusting the difficulty made things attainable, showcasing the game’s scaling system and its challenge to balance difficulty for all skill levels.

Codemasters has introduced a new difficulty tier this year, aiming to better cater to all players. Yet, during my brief playthrough, finding the perfect difficulty setting still felt elusive. Nailing the right challenge is a complex task, influenced by track conditions and individual player pace, making it more art than science for developers.

The drama continues off the track, too. The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of new investment from none other than Davidoff Butler, the father of Callie Mayer and Devon Butler. Devon, having retired from racing in BP2, now serves as a team advisor, adding another layer to the family dynamic. Alongside them are Jackson and team boss Casper Akkerman, with familial tensions likely fueling much of the storyline.

Although I haven’t fully invested in Braking Point’s plot thus far, I’m curious to see how the latest chapter develops Mayer’s story, especially as she steps into the spotlight as the first fictional female F2 champion to embark on a full season at the pinnacle of the sport. It’s a step the real-world F1 hasn’t quite taken (with Giovanna Amati being the last female driver entered for a race weekend in 1992), despite recent testing roles filled by the likes of Jamie Chadwick and Tatiana Calderón. Let’s also not forget the all-female F1 Academy series that has become part of the F1 support structure.

To enhance the narrative depth, Codemasters has enlisted Nvidia’s Audio2Face technology for more lifelike facial animations during press conferences and interviews. This means you’ll actually see your driver articulate the responses you choose. Once you’ve completed the narrative, you have the option to bring your Konnersport team into MyTeam 2.0, extending your journey beyond a single season, though shifting into the mode’s typical management style.

Whether you’ll feel compelled to continue with your Konnersport team after experiencing Drive To Survive-esque drama in Braking Point 3 is a question only time—and gameplay—can answer.