F1 2016: 6 features we’d love to see in the next Formula 1 game

We’re quite enjoying F1 2016, being one of the better F1 games in the last couple of years. Still, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement, right?

Here are six features that would make the next F1 title a more complete experience.

Where are the lower formulae?

Codemasters’ TOCA Race Driver series did a fantastic job of taking you through the various disciplines. Starting out in karts, you’d progress to Formula Ford, Formula Palmer Audi, Formula 3, IndyCar and other open-wheel disciplines. And you could even switch to touring cars, trucks and other forms of motorsport.

We haven’t seen the GP3 and GP2 Series being represented in a major motorsport title just yet, but these would be a great addition to a future F1 title. Imagine working your way up from the junior ranks, having rivalries that span motorsport franchises…

Tear-off strips

Yes yes, it’s such a small part of the F1 experience, but it was a novel feature back in F1 ’97 for PlayStation One.

In that older title, your visor would get dirty as the race wore on (such as oil, dirt and bugs), necessitating the removal of your visor tear-off strip. How pointless yet cool…

More control over pit stops

The current game gives you the option of controlling your pit entry, as you need to brake and get under the speed limit before crossing the pit entry line. Fun stuff, but how about more control?

F1 2016’s career mode is a huge step up from most previous games, but what if you’d prefer to spend time on the pitwall instead?

F1 Career Challenge 99-02 did a decent job of this, tasking you with braking, shifting into first and accelerating out of the box via button prompts. A mini-game of sorts, then.

Split-screen season mode

A few of the previous F1 games featured split-screen season modes, allowing you and a mate to compete with the rest of the field for championship glory.

Unfortunately, the latest games lack this option, forcing you to go online if you’d like to game with buddies. Meh. Competitive or cooperative play (as part of the same team, helping each other out somewhat) would’ve been an interesting experience…

A manager mode

F1 2016‘s career mode is a huge step up from most previous games, but what if you’d prefer to spend time on the pitwall instead?

A management mode, akin to Motorsport Manager, Formula Legend and the old F1 Manager game, would make for a lovely change of pace. Whether you’re guiding your driver’s on-track performance, hiring and firing staff or finding/nurturing young talent, it would definitely give more bang for the buck.

More classic content

F1 2013 stands out as one of the best F1 titles in recent memory, if only because they brought several classic cars and tracks into the fray. The inclusion of a few cars from the ’80s and ’90s pleased many fans, while the addition of Jerez, Imola, Estoril and Brands Hatch was just the icing on the cake.

We’d love to see more cars from F1’s earlier years, such as the McLaren MP4/4, the Lotus 49 and the Ferrari F2004. Classic tracks would be another welcome feature, such as the old Hockenheimring, Kyalami (I know, I know) and Adelaide.