Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
F1 25, the latest instalment in Codemasters’ long-running Formula One racing series, brings several updates to the track, headlined by the return of its narrative-driven Braking Point mode and an overhauled My Team experience. With the upcoming Brad Pitt-led Formula One film on the horizon, the game leans into its cinematic potential while continuing to offer a detailed and expansive racing simulator.
Braking Point returns
The story mode Braking Point, first introduced in F1 2021, makes its third appearance in F1 25. Designed to add off-track drama to the traditional race weekend, it continues the narrative arc that began in the earlier entries. While it includes some exaggerated storytelling elements, it provides players with a structured and character-driven experience alongside standard racing gameplay. Returning players will recognise the evolving personal and professional conflicts, while newcomers may need to catch up on the previous plotlines to fully engage with the story.
A new era for My Team
One of the most significant changes in F1 25 is a reimagined My Team mode. Moving away from the previous owner-driver concept, players now take on the role of a team principal managing an 11th Formula One team. This adds a new layer of strategy and decision-making, including managing team finances, facilities, and staff.
While not as complex as the now-discontinued F1 Manager series, the mode introduces more control than previous F1 titles, all delivered through streamlined and accessible menus. Crucially, unlike in F1 Manager, players aren’t confined to the pit wall; they can drive as one of their contracted drivers on race day, offering a hybrid management and simulation experience.
Integration with the upcoming F1 Film
F1 25 also incorporates elements from the forthcoming F1 film starring Brad Pitt. Players can select the fictional APX Grand Prix team, featured in the movie, as part of My Team. This team includes characters Sonny Hayes (played by Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), who are fully integrated into the game’s driver line-up.
Additionally, the game introduces a scenario mode featuring challenges that blend in-game objectives with clips from the film. Currently, only a prologue challenge is available to avoid revealing major plot points. More scenarios will be released as downloadable content following the film's theatrical release.
Refined gameplay and handling
After receiving mixed feedback for F1 24, particularly regarding its driving model, Codemasters appears to have addressed many concerns in F1 25. The handling system has been improved, offering a more balanced and responsive driving experience. These adjustments make the game more accessible to both returning players and newcomers who may have found previous versions challenging.
Content and features
F1 25 continues the series’ tradition of offering a wealth of modes and options. In addition to Braking Point and My Team, the game includes the standard Career Mode, Grand Prix Mode, Time Trials, and multiplayer functionality. New players and returning fans will find a highly customisable and content-rich racing experience.
Visuals and audio maintain the high standard expected of the series, with detailed circuits, weather dynamics, and realistic car models. The user interface has also been refined, making navigation through the game’s many features smoother and more intuitive.
For everyone with a passion for racing
F1 25 marks a notable step forward for the franchise. The return of Braking Point adds narrative depth, while the revamped My Team mode introduces a more comprehensive managerial component. The integration of the upcoming F1 film adds a unique crossover element, appealing to both motorsport fans and filmgoers.
With improved handling and a broad range of features, F1 25 stands out as one of the most complete Formula One games to date. Whether players are returning veterans, casual fans, or intrigued by the Hollywood connection, F1 25 offers something for everyone with a passion for racing.
The Britain Meets India 2024 report said 667 British companies are already operating in India, generating £47.5 billion in revenue and employing over 516,000 people. (Representational image: iStock)
UK BUSINESSES are increasing their focus on India as a key market following the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to Grant Thornton’s latest International Business Report (IBR).
The report found that 72 per cent of UK firms now see India as a major international growth market, up from 61 per cent last year.
While only 28 per cent currently operate in India, 73 per cent of those without a presence plan to enter the market, including 13 per cent within the next year.
The Britain Meets India 2024 report said 667 British companies are already operating in India, generating £47.5 billion in revenue and employing over 516,000 people.
Among Indian firms, 99 per cent of those already in the UK plan to expand, while nearly 90 per cent of those not yet present intend to set up operations.
Anuj Chande, Partner and Head of South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK, said: “The shift we’re seeing is clear: UK mid-market businesses are no longer asking ‘why India’ — they are asking ‘how soon’.
“With 73 per cent of firms planning to establish operations in India and over half of existing players looking to scale up within a year, this is a pivotal moment. The UK–India FTA is a game-changer, reducing entry barriers and accelerating opportunity, but it won’t remove the complexity of operating in a fragmented and dynamic market.”
Chande added that the recent UK trade delegation accompanying the Prime Minister’s visit has added to the impetus to trade and invest with India.
However, 63 per cent of UK firms cited regulation and foreign exchange controls as the main barriers to operating in India, while 38 per cent mentioned infrastructure gaps. For Indian companies, tariffs, regulation, and the UK’s fragmented regulatory system were the key concerns.
Despite the challenges, 21 per cent of UK businesses said they had no concerns about the FTA and viewed it as wholly beneficial.
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