The first piece of gameplay footage for F1 2018 has just been released ahead of the game’s launch on August 24.
Published in the lead-up to this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, the video showcases Sauber driver Charles LeClerc lapping the principality’s famous street circuit. Using a rookie to preview the game may seem like an odd choice but LeClerc is the only current F1 driver to be born and raised in Monaco. He’s also the first driver to debut in Formula One with both the GP3 and Formula 2 titles under his belt.
As for the game itself, Codemasters says it has spent a considerable amount of time improving the lighting, sky, clouds, and atmospheric systems to make the game even more realistic. Additionally, F1 2018 will feature an Energy Recovery System (ERS) which can be operated by the player.
“The inclusion of a player-managed Energy Recovery System (ERS) has been added to vehicle physics for F1 2018 as we always strive to give as authentic a recreation of the sport as possible,” Codemasters said in a statement.
“Augmenting the powerful internal combustion engine, the player will have multiple deployment modes to choose from. The inclusion of the ERS will not only give the player an even more authentic Formula 1 experience, but will serve to create even more varied and exciting races.”
Like F1 2017, this year’s game will include a number of classic cars which players can enjoy. Additionally, the career mode will be expanded even further and gamers will be able to race at Circuit Paul Ricard and Hockenheimring thanks to the inclusion of the French and German Grand Prix during this year’s championship.