F1 22 is dedicated to the talents of Formula 1. EA SPORTS shows the first moving images of the new cover boys Leclerc, Norris and Russell on the circuit in Miami.
A new era has ushered in Formula 1 this season with revised rules and cars. But a new era has also been dawning in the driver field for a few years now. With Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris, Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon, a squad of up-and-coming drivers is increasingly making its mark on the premier class of motorsport.
Many of these talents’ paths already met in the various karting and junior classes. What is also new are the close friendships that unite the young drivers – Formula 1 was previously often characterised by rivalries.
The Boys are back in Town
F1 22 focuses on three drivers from this squad. Russell, Norris and Leclerc grace the cover of the Standard Edition of the racing game series. Ferrari driver and current World Championship leader Charles Leclerc has also been announced as an EA SPORTS ambassador. The three are also active in the sim racing world, acting as a link between real and virtual motorsport.
“F1 22 celebrates the best young talent in F1 and we look forward to deepening our relationship with Charles Leclerc. With him already established as part of the new era of F1, we can work with Charles throughout the season to bring our players closer to the action,” said Lee Mather, F1 Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.
On the other hand, EA SPORTS does not want to do without the charisma of the still active current and past world champions. Therefore, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are to adorn the Champions Edition. A “package inspired by the iconic skyline and lights of Miami” and a three-day Early Access to the game will accompany the veteran cover stars, who bring their total to 14 World Championship titles.
First moving images from Miami
The cover announcement is accompanied by a new trailer. Developer Codemasters and publisher EA SPORTS initially kept a low profile with images in April. At that time, only the F1 show car was shown.
Now they let the cars loose on the new track in Miami, USA. Although the striking design differences on the racing cars are still missing, a first impression of F1 22, which will be released on 1 July, can be better captured here than in the original announcement.