Codemasters head back in time for latest edition of Formula 1 game

Codemasters have announced that the latest edition of their Formula 1 franchise - F1 2013 - will hit the shelves this autumn and feature a new twist – classic race drivers and cars. And we've spoken exclusively to the Creative Director behind the game franchise.

Alongside the latest cars and drivers from the 2013 season – with the likes of Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes and Sergio Perez now in a McLaren – gamers will also be able to race as their heroes such as Nigel Mansell in his 1980s and 1990s Williams cars.

Alain Prost, Gerhard Berger, Mario Andretti, Eddie Irvine, Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill also feature while gamers will also have access to iconic tracks such Imola, Brands Hatch and Jerez.

The game’s creative director Stephen Hood told the August edition of the JA on F1 Podcast : “People have been asking for classic teams and drivers. Every year we said we’re working on it. Now we have that classic content.

“The further back you go in time to find the rights owners of the various teams, the harder it gets so it’s been a struggle. It’s taken a long time, but it’s been worth it.

“You can race against Nigel Mansell - it’s great to say we’ve got people like that. We have tried to bring back drivers if they were able to compete in a Goodwood Festival of Speed type of event.

“A lot of the drivers in the game are still involved in F1 – like Damon Hill. Michael Schumacher remains in the game even though he has retired because he’s such a legend of the sport.”

What does the future hold for Formula 1 gaming? “A lot of people have asked if we’ll be on next generation machines potentially coming out next year,” said Hood. “Right now, it’s about squeezing the final bit of performance of this generation of technology.

“Next year will tie in nicely [with Formula 1 also changing its regulations] as everyone is turning a new page. We’re hoping to offer a different experience. We always want more each year. We’re still making out way up to making the best Formula 1 game ever.”