F1 2020 (video game)

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F1 2020 is Codemasters’ official racing game for the 2020 Formula 1 and Formula 2 seasons. It was released in July 2020 for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia (the first F1 game on Stadia). It’s the 13th F1 game from Codemasters and the 12th main installment in the series.

The game follows the 2020 season calendar as it was planned before the COVID-19 disruptions. Some added races were not held, but the Zandvoort and Hanoi circuits appear in the game. It also includes new content like the 70th Anniversary events, while other real-world races are not part of the game.

New features include My Team, a player-run 11th team where you pick an engine, hire a driver, design a livery, sign sponsors, and upgrade your headquarters to improve the car. In career mode you can do a full or half Formula 2 season or just a few races (the F2 Feeder option), with no rival storyline. You can choose season lengths of 10, 16, or 22 races, or create a custom calendar. A driver “acclaim” system affects virtual earnings, not cash in career.

F1 2020 brings back Split Screen and adds a rear-view mirror option for cockpit views. The AI is tuned to make more mistakes for realism. A new driver rating system scores drivers on experience, racecraft, awareness, and pace, affecting progress and upgrades. Podium Pass offers cosmetic unlocks, and a VIP pass adds even more items.

The game includes the 2019 Formula 2 season at launch and commemorates Anthoine Hubert. In a December update, the 2020 Formula 2 Championship with Mick Schumacher was added. There are 16 classic cars in the game, with four extra cars available through special editions.

F1 2020 received generally favorable to universal acclaim from critics, praised for My Team, the Formula 2 mode, split-screen, accessibility, and racing itself. It topped the UK sales charts and earned several award nominations.

This was the last Codemasters F1 game released before EA bought the studio in 2021. It was delisted from consoles in May 2022 and from Steam in March 2023.