For Formula One fans, F1 2018 is a pretty essential purchase. It looks fabulous and, more importantly, the cars feel fabulous to race. This year's game offers all the arcane experiences that go into making up a modern Formula One driver's working life.

Looks amazing; Cars handle superbly; Tweaks add even more of an role-playing game feel; Great roster of classic F1 cars; Generally feels true to life

New sportsmanship v showmanship mechanic feels superfluous; AI can occasionally be unpredictable without sufficient punishment; Multi-function display tricky to operate

F1 games before 2009 were great, and now almost 10 years after the fact the team behind masterpieces like Dirt Rally, Dirt 2, and Race Driver: Grid have finally reached the point where they've fulfilled their potential in terms of overall quality, car physics, presentation, and depth.

The improvements to since the already-impressive F1 2017 are largely incremental and often very subtle – and there are still a few areas where it's openly coasting on previous efforts – but F1 2018 features the finest handling and force feedback for a dedicated F1 game to date, some welcome visual...

I'm not an F1 aficionado, but I appreciate the sheer effort by the drivers and race teams to be the best on and off the track. That passion comes through in a relatable way in F1 2018, a title that constantly pushes you to excel while also giving you the tools to reach victory.

Due to a slight technical issue, images are provided by Codemasters. Our reviewer has verified that these are representative. Eight years into its licensed F1 franchise, developer Codemasters continues to explore new ways of enriching the off-track experience as well as on it.

More customisation over last year's model; Hockenheim is in; Overhauled sense of physicality

Pit media interviews are a confusing and unnecessary addition

Whenever a new iteration of an annual sports-based franchise is announced, fans and average customers world over are instantly sceptical towards it, as many have been burnt over the years after falling for publishers' numerous marketing ploys.

Vastly Improved Career Mode; Captivating; Excellent Gameplay; A Personal; Fully Customisable Experience; Truly Impressive Visuals and Performance

Off Track Sequences Are Still a Little Rough; Could Use Some More Auxiliary Content

With F1 2018 being the ninth title racing out of Codemasters' garage, you'd be forgiven for thinking that there is little more to offer over and above F1 2017. Last year's version was a culmination of sorts, building upon the solid graphics and stable gameplay with in-depth career development and...

Made by F1 fans; for F1 fans; Excellent attention to detail; Clever AI opponents; Tougher physics; A distinct lack of Johnny Herbert

Game engine showing relative age; Inconsistent online penalties; No classic tracks to match classic cars; Seriously Jeff; I didn't ask for that information