F1 24 is a smooth ride, but it doesn’t quite make pole position. The latest entry in the Formula One racing game series is a solid installment with some high-octane action, but veteran gamers who bleed motor oil won’t be blown away. Whether you love him or love to hate him, Verstappen himself had some input to make the handling feel even more realistic this time around.

If it ain’t broke… Let’s be clear — the core gameplay is still fantastic. The handling is responsive, the visuals are stunning, and puts you right in the heart of the action. And while career mode has seen some tweaks for a more engaging and customized experience, in the grand scheme of things not much has changed.

Wait, have we seen this track before? Compared to the latest installments of the F1 games, F1 24 doesn’t really take any giant leaps forward. The core features haven’t seen any meaningful overhauls or innovations, and some competitive gamers may even find the handling changes less appealing for making the gears a little easier to maneuver.

But don’t hit the brakes just yet. If you’re a newcomer to the game or just missed the last few versions, F1 24 is a great jumping point into the racing scene. And veterans… You can really never get enough of the thrill of g-force kicks and the adrenaline of split-decision-making that the game offers.

? Rating: 6/10 on Steam, 68% audience rating.

⌛ Hours of gameplay: N/A.

? Replay value: 10/10.

? Platforms: Steam and Epic Games for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

? Price: USD 69.99 or USD 89.99 for the Champions Edition, with an available USD 19.99 DLC. A 5-hour trial is available at no charge on Steam and PS.