The Ultimate Guide: Mastering F1 Car Setup like a Pro

Car setup is a crucial aspect of enhancing performance in F1 races. With a wide range of tracks worldwide, each with distinct requirements, it is expected that some tracks will demand different car setups compared to others.

When it comes to adjusting car setup, there are two primary focuses: Top Speed and Downforce. Top Speed is aimed at achieving the highest possible speed on straight sections of the track, by ensuring the car is aerodynamic and generates minimal drag. Conversely, Downforce aims to maximize drag, enabling easier and faster cornering at the expense of straight-line speed.

During a race weekend, there are numerous chances to modify a car's configuration and make necessary adjustments. The game will automatically switch to the suggested setup; however, considering the diverse driving styles and race objectives, it is always beneficial to make additional tweaks to ensure the car performs as smoothly as possible.

Basic Setup

From the initial office screen where players can select their desired session and access additional information such as weather reports and championship standings, they can easily make adjustments to their setup by clicking on the small spanner icon located at the top of the screen. This convenient icon remains visible even when the player is inside their car in the garage, awaiting their first qualifying run. Furthermore, on the Session Info screen, players can still find the spanner icon, allowing them to make any last-minute tweaks or setup changes before the Parc Fermé rules come into effect, preventing any further alterations.

Advanced Setup

For seasoned players seeking to fine-tune their setup, the Advanced tab located at the bottom of the screen offers a plethora of additional options. These include Suspension Geometry and Tyre Pressure adjustments, which cater specifically to those who strive to push their competitive boundaries to the maximum.

For most players, there is usually no need to make any advanced modifications. However, during practice sessions, it can be enjoyable to explore these options and test which settings work best on specific tracks. Players using a steering wheel instead of a controller are likely to notice more significant changes with these adjustments. The level of force feedback a player experiences will greatly aid in determining which modifications are appropriate and which ones are not.

Parc Fermé

After the start of the first qualifying session during the race weekend, modifications to the car's configuration are only allowed once. The Parc Fermé regulations of F1 23 state that minor adjustments are permitted, but any changes that could significantly impact the car's performance, like a complete setup alteration, are prohibited.

In order to become acquainted with the track and explore various setup options, engaging in practice sessions can prove advantageous. Unlike engine or gearbox replacements that incur penalties and potential grid-drop placements, Parc Fermé conditions restrict players from making any setup changes. However, minor adjustments like rear wing modifications and brake bias can still be made during the race. F1 23 is accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.