EA Sports F1 25 patch 1.04 boosts AI race starts

EA Sports and Codemasters have released a significant update, patch 1.04, for F1 25 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. A key focus of this update is enhancing the performance of AI-controlled cars at the beginning of races. Previously, players noted that AI drivers were not as competitive as expected when the race lights went out, despite the start being one of the most critical and intense moments in a race weekend. The improvements in AI reactions and traction off the grid aim to make race starts more challenging and realistic.

Following the pattern of previous updates, patch 1.04 also includes fixes for specific tracks. This update addresses issues related to the track surface and lighting at Suzuka, as well as the track surface at Miami. The My Team career mode receives substantial benefits from this patch, correcting bugs that prevented players from initiating contract talks with new drivers and fixing the erroneous display of cost cap graphs from the previous season.

A smaller, yet important fix for dedicated fans, involves updating the Williams team`s sponsor decals to accurately match their placement on cars, driver suits, pit crew uniforms, and environment elements in the pit lane and paddock.

Full List of Changes in Patch 1.04:

• Adjusted AI race starts to ensure they perform at a competitive level.

• Resolved an issue in My Team Career mode where players could not approach new drivers for contract discussions after their first season under certain conditions.

• Reduced the thickness of tire smoke from skids and lock-ups, and made it fade away faster.

• Fixed a bug in My Team Career mode where the previous season`s Cost Cap graph was incorrectly shown, suggesting it hadn`t reset for the current season.

• Updated Driver Accolades to reflect achievements accurately up to the conclusion of the 2024 season.

• Corrected several minor issues with the track surface in Miami.

• Corrected several minor issues with the track surface in Japan (Suzuka).

• Fixed an issue affecting lighting in the team garages in Japan (Suzuka).

• Implemented improvements to shadows across various tracks.

• Updated Williams sponsors in multiple areas to better align with their real-life positioning.

• Ensured the Kick Sauber car in Time Trial uses the correct driver number.

• Fixed an issue where using a Rewind after the Safety Car had entered the pits could cause the Engineer to incorrectly discuss Safety Car window pit strategy.

• Resolved a potential issue causing inaccurate timing information when requesting `Teammate Status` via the radio menu.

• Updated the game`s intro sequence to feature the official 2025 F1 Opening Titles music.

• Fixed a problem in Braking Point mode where the Engineer might provide updates about the target position too frequently.

• Resolved an issue in Braking Point mode where some phone calls could be silent if an earlier call was declined by the player.

• Fixed a bug preventing drivers hired during Career mode from being assigned numbers 1 or 99.

• Corrected an issue where players invited into Invitational lobbies could join with different Simulation settings than the host.

• Fixed a problem where applying a License Level restriction to an Invitational lobby did not prevent players with a lower license from joining.

• Addressed an issue in Multiplayer sessions where Spectators would see the `Caution` message flickering on their screen.

• Fixed a number of minor issues concerning the placement and appearance of numbers and sponsors within the Decal Editor.

• Resolved an issue where Force Feedback on certain wheels would stop functioning after restarting a Time Trial session from the results screen.

• Added action map support for Asetek Forte, La Prima, and Tony Kanaan wheelbases on PC, based on the existing Invicta action map.

• Improved the Tinnitus Relief Filter option in Audio and Accessibility Settings so that the Frequency sound begins lower and fades in gradually.

• Fixed several issues that could lead to game crashes, based on player reports and stability telemetry.

• Resolved an issue where using a Rewind after fixing a faulty DRS during a pit stop would cause the DRS to become broken again.

• Implemented various UI improvements.

• Made other general stability improvements.