Key Highlights:
- F1 24 Update 1.6 introduces significant handling changes, dubbed “Handling 3.0”.
- Kerb behaviour and tyre pressure effects have been rebalanced.
- Various improvements to graphics, stability, and gameplay features.
Codemasters has announced the imminent release of Update 1.6 for F1 24, set to launch on July 8th, 2024, at 11:00am BST/10am UTC.
This latest patch brings a series of significant changes to the game, with a particular focus on refining the handling model and addressing various community concerns.
F1 24 Update 1.6 Patch Notes
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rebalanced the Medium Traction Control setting
- When driving over kerbs, cars will now be more unsettled, with sausage kerbs in particular having a greater impact on vehicle stability
- Fixed an issue in Time Trial where in certain circumstances times set with an F1 car could appear on F2 Leaderboards
- Fixed an issue where a specific Specialist Goal could prevent a career save from loading correctly
- Pitcrews in Driver Career have received some training so pitstop times have generally been improved
GRAPHICS/VISUALS
- Improved presentation quality of Broadcast Pit Stops on PS4 & Xbox One
- If an AI is the Driver of the Day in a Multiplayer race they will no longer appear with the Fanzone Expression label of the player
- Fixed an issue where tyre warmers were clipping slightly with the tyres on some cars
- Improved lighting on character models of My Team Icons when beginning a Career
- ‘Frame Generation’ will work more effectively on PCs which have this option available and enabled
HANDLING
- Having a very high amount of Engine Braking is now less likely to cause the player to lock up their brakes
- AI are now less likely to lock up when using a low amount of pressure on their brakes
- Tyre pressure adjustments will now have more of an effect on tyre grip and heat
GAME STABILITY
- Fixed an issue where the Drivers’ tab could become unresponsive after viewing Lap Times in the Race Director
- Fixed an issue where the player could select two options at once in the Practice menu, which resulted in the game being stuck
TRACKS
- Fixed a metal grate on the outside of turn 1 at Portugal so it no longer registers as a minor collision with a vehicle passing over it
- Fixed a rare issue in One Shot Qualifying at Silverstone where the AI could drive wide to invalidate the next lap before the player gains control of the car
AUDIO
- Fixed an issue where your engineer could incorrectly tell you that your teammate is outperforming you
PERIPHERALS
- Added support for the Cammus C5 Wheel
MISCELLANEOUS
- New ‘Champions’ images added to the Compendium, replacing the previous entries. All previously unlocked stickers will remain unlocked for these new images
- Fixed an issue where ten second penalties would only last five seconds during a pitstop
- Updated the logo on the Ferrari garage monitors
- Fixed an issue where the number of laps shown as available in a Practice Programme could be incredibly high
- Various UI improvements in many areas of the game have been made
- General Stability Improvements
- Various Minor Fixes
Handling 3.0: A New Driving Experience
The centerpiece of Update 1.6 is what Codemasters is calling Handling 3.0. This marks the third major iteration of the handling model since F1 24’s launch in May, reflecting the developer’s commitment to fine-tuning the driving experience based on player feedback.
These alterations aim to create a more nuanced and realistic driving experience.
The changes to kerb behaviour, in particular, are expected to have a notable impact on tracks like the Red Bull Ring, Monza, and the Circuit of the Americas, where aggressive kerb use has been a contentious issue.
Update 1.6 also brings several improvements to the game’s visual presentation.
These visual upgrades should contribute to a more immersive and polished gaming experience across all platforms.
There are also lots of gameplay and feature improvements too. The full patch notes were posted on the official EA site today.
The frequent handling changes in F1 24 have been a topic of debate within the community.
While some players appreciate Codemasters’ efforts to refine the driving model, others have expressed frustration with the need to constantly adapt to new handling characteristics.
A spokesperson for Codemasters stated:
“We’re committed to making F1 24 the best possible experience for all players. These updates are a direct result of the valuable feedback we’ve received from our community, and we’ll continue to refine the game based on player input.”
The development team has encouraged players to keep sharing their thoughts and experiences, promising ongoing updates and refinements.
They’ve also directed players to the Community Raised Issues thread on EA Answers for tracking upcoming fixes and improvements.
As F1 24 continues to evolve, the impact of these handling changes on the competitive scene will be closely watched.
Professional esports players and casual racers alike will need to adapt their driving styles and setups to accommodate the new physics model.
With the real-world Formula 1 season in full swing, Codemasters faces the ongoing challenge of balancing realism with accessibility in F1 24.
The success of Update 1.6 could set the tone for future updates and potentially influence the direction of next year’s instalment in the franchise.
Players across all platforms are advised to ensure they’re connected to online services to receive the update when it rolls out on July 8.
As the F1 24 community gets to grips with Handling 3.0, the coming weeks will likely see intense discussion and analysis of the new driving model.