The evolution and development of a car throughout the course of a Formula 1 season is just as important as the driver in the cockpit, andF1 23is no different. With a large range of components which can be applied to the car via the R&D (Research & Development) tab, this is the only way in which thecar’s performance is able to be improvedand can be done so in a variety of unique ways. At the conclusion of each season, a new set of technical regulations may be introduced, requiring players to redevelop parts that may already be installed on the car.
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There are four main areas of focus for Research & Development, with each one addressing unique and specific issues regarding the performance of the race car. Players will need to spend Resource Points in order to install theseupgrades, which can be done in a variety of ways such as completing Practise Sessions, improving Facilities and assigning activities in-between races.
4Aerodynamics
The Aerodynamics department is primarily responsible for the development of both front and rear downforce properties as well as the efficiency of DRS along straights. At a glance, Aerodynamics may seem like the most important aspect of the car to upgrade, since this will influence thecapability of the car’s maximum top speed. However, due to the fact that DRS is often in play down the straights, it can often be more beneficial to focus on other parts of the car at an early stage.
While every department is crucial and none should be neglected, Aerodynamics upgrades are really just the cherry on top of the cake, since if there are shortcomings in other departments they will be much more noticeable on track. The best place to begin when focussing on Aerodynamics is the DRS Activation Mechanism and DRS Slot Gap, since these will provide an additional speed bonus when chasing down cars in front through the DRS zones.
3Powertrain
The Powertrain department is responsible for the car’s engine and will affect fuel efficiency and ERS management, which can have a significant effect of performance. Since every player will get a choice over which engine manufacturer to side with at the start of each season, some Powertrains are certainly better than others, with the Red Bull/Honda being the best and Mercedes being a close second. While these will offer slight differences in performance and the overall sound of the car, any deficiencies caneasily be made up in the R&D departmentand it is wise to invest in upgrading this department’s facilities sooner rather than later.
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There are four main sub-departments to the Powertrain department and these are as follows: Engine Power, Energy Recovery System (ERS), Fuel Efficiency and Supplier Upgrades. The best place to start developing is the Energy Recovery System, which will provide significant leaps in the car’s overall performance, as indicated by the chart in the lower-right hand side of the screen where players can track their car’s relative performance as well as seehow potential upgrades might improve the car compared to rivals.
2Durability
Durability is perhaps the most commonly overlooked department for players seeking to maximize their racing performance - that is until mechanical issues and failures begin to seriously affect race results. Investing in the durability department early will keep these events to a minimum, and will also reduce the risk of grid-drop penalties when worn car parts inevitably have to be replaced and re-ordered. Since all components will wear over time, and even more-so for players with an aggressive and risky driving style, it is wise to ensure that this degradation occurs at a slower place by upgrading components of the car’s Durability department.
There are eight different sub-departments within the Durability department: Electrical Systems, Energy Store, Gearbox, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), MGU - Heat, MGU - Kinetic, Turbo Durability and Supplier Upgrades. Since the Gearbox and ICE are the most critical components when it comes to race performance, as well as being the quickest to wear and easiest to break, investing in these departments is essential for players who wish toremain competitive throughout the course of a career season.
1Chassis
The Chassis department is responsible for the car’s overall mass and weight distribution, and will have a significant effect on all areas of the car, most notably the lifespan of brakes and tire degradation. This is the mostkey component of the car to upgradeand will provide massive performance bonuses relative to any rivals if implemented early in a season. While many items in this department are expensive and may take a long time to develop, the improvement in the vehicle’s overall speed and handling will be noticeable.
There are four main areas with components to upgrade, these are: Brakes, Weight Distribution, Weight Reduction and Tire Wear. For players onanything more than 35% distance, Tire Wear will be of concern, but for players racing in a shorter format, this can be left for a later time. Weight Reduction and Distribution are the key elements here, with Engine Cover (Distribution) and Fuel Tank Positioning providing the most substantial benefits. The Monocoque Structure should also be obtained as soon as possible, since this will provide significant weight reduction and improve the car’s overall speed.
F1 23is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
