EA Sports and Codemasters have rolled out another significant update, Patch 1.04, for F1 25, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. This latest patch provides a noticeable enhancement to the performance of AI-controlled drivers, particularly during race starts. Previously, the game`s AI had been criticized for not posing a sufficient challenge when the grid lights went out, an anticlimactic issue considering the start is one of the most critical and action-packed moments of any race. The update aims to rectify this by equipping AI drivers with better reactions and improved traction off the line.
Continuing the trend from the previous update, Patch 1.04 also includes specific fixes for certain tracks. This iteration addresses issues related to the track surface and lighting at Suzuka, as well as focusing on the track surface at Miami. The My Team career mode has also seen substantial benefits from the new patch, with corrections for issues that prevented players from initiating contract negotiations with drivers and resolving the display of incorrect cost cap graphs.
A smaller, but nonetheless important, fix for dedicated fans concerns the Williams team`s sponsor decals. Their placement across cars, driver suits, pit crew uniforms, and the pit lane/paddock area now more accurately mirrors their real-world configuration.
Here is the complete list of changes introduced in the latest update:
- AI race starts have been adjusted for more competitive performance.
- Resolved an issue in My Team Career preventing players from approaching new drivers for contract talks after the first season under specific conditions.
- Tire smoke from skids and lock-ups is less dense and dissipates faster.
- Corrected a bug in My Team Career where the previous season`s Cost Cap graph was displayed incorrectly.
- Updated Driver Accolades to reflect the end of the 2024 season.
- Minor track surface issues at Miami have been fixed.
- Minor track surface issues in Japan have been fixed.
- Resolved lighting issues in the team garages in Japan.
- Shadow improvements have been made across various tracks.
- Updated Williams sponsors in various locations to match real-life placements more accurately.
- The Kick Sauber car in Time Trial now uses the correct driver number.
- Fixed a bug causing the Engineer to discuss Safety Car pit strategy incorrectly after using Rewind when the Safety Car enters the pits.
- Resolved an issue where incorrect timing information could be given when requesting `Teammate Status` via the radio menu.
- The game`s intro sequence now uses the official 2025 F1 Opening Titles music.
- Fixed an issue in Braking Point where the Engineer`s updates on your target position were too frequent.
- Resolved a Braking Point issue causing some phone calls to be silent if a previous call was declined.
- Fixed an issue preventing drivers hired in Career mode from being assigned numbers 1 or 99.
- Resolved an issue allowing players invited to Invitational lobbies to enter with different simulation settings than others.
- Fixed a bug where applying a License Level restriction to an Invitational lobby did not prevent players with lower licenses from joining.
- Resolved an issue in Multiplayer where Spectators saw a flickering `Caution` message.
- Fixed several minor issues with number and sponsor placement/appearance in the Decal Editor.
- Fixed an issue causing Force Feedback to stop working on some wheels after restarting a Time Trial session from the results screen.
- Added action map support for Asetek Forte, La Prima, and Tony Kanaan wheelbases (PC Only), based on the existing Invicta map.
- Improved the Tinnitus Relief Filter option (Audio/Accessibility) so the frequency sound starts lower and fades in gradually.
- Addressed several issues causing game crashes, based on player reports and telemetry.
- Fixed a bug where using Rewind after fixing a faulty DRS during a pit stop would cause the DRS to become broken again.
- Various UI improvements implemented.
- Other general stability improvements made.
Finley Holt 
Callum Darby