![F1 23](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iiN48gPXiwabuGtecEdgCR-415-80.jpg)
After a season when we all knew that Max Verstappen would end on the top step of the podium every Sunday, it's now time for the rest of the pack to please make things more interesting this year. The Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off the season this weekend, and the Red Bulls once again proved too slippery to catch, but at least you can spend your weekends racing around the world-famous circuits on your PlayStation for free.
That's because included in the line-up of March's PlayStation Plus monthly games is F1 23. The latest instalment in the official F1 videogame series is free if you download it this month. All you need is any level of PlayStation Plus subscription and either a PS5 or a PS4 - you need to pick it up.
More essential than downforce in Monaco, F123 is my go-to racing game. It features all the cars, drivers and tracks from the most recent season and features the first opportunity for gamers to drive the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit.
The best part of the game remains career mode, this lets you either join a specific team, start in F2 and earn a seat or even start and race for your own team. There's a lot of fun to be had designing the look of your car but you'll also have to choose a teammate and push the team to upgrade components between races. As an immersive experience, it's great fun, especially if you play the co-op campaign. I have a regular weekend session with a friend online and it's some of the most fun I've had on PS5.
If you're after a more crafted narrative experience then you should check out the Braking Point story mode which sets you some race-specific scenarios each time. It's a nice change of pace.
Unsurprisingly, it's not easy driving an F1 car and I won't lie this can be a challenging game but that makes it all the more rewarding when you do succeed. Whether you use a controller or a top racing wheel, there are luckily plenty of assists that can be tweaked to offer a range of hands-on or more passive help. There is no shame in using assists, I once caught a stream of Lando Norris playing and he was using the racing line!
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Andy is T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming, AI, phones, and basically anything cool and expensive he can get his hands on. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide - where he got paid to play with ChatGPT every day. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
PS5 gets a free upgrade with a couple of handy new features
Users will get new features as well as bug fixes
By Sam Cross Published
-
PS Plus subscribers getting hugely underrated shooter on PS5 for free
New collection of great games arriving 16 July for PS Plus Extra and Premium members
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus subscribers get 91% award-winning FPS on PS5 and PS4 for free
Forget Fallout, here's the best post-apocalyptic shooter
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PlayStation Portal gets its biggest free upgrade yet – helps you play PS5 games on the go
New system software arrives with some neat new features
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your PS5 can do some new tricks, as PlayStation releases a free upgrade
New PlayStation 5 System Software is now available with some key new features
By Rik Henderson Published
-
How to watch the new PS5 State of Play showcase – see 14 new games
PlayStation will host a new livestream for PS5 and PSVR2 owners today, here's everything you need to know
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS5 owners can claim EA Sports FC 24 for free next week
Coming as part of PS Plus Essential
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Loved the Fallout Prime Video show? Get Xbox Game Pass
A deal to make you feel S.P.E.C.I.A.L
By Andy Sansom Published