Race against Verstappen and Leclerc in new F1 23 game feature

EA Sports are adding a brand new feature to the F1 23 game, allowing players to challenge themselves against Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. This update is called a 'pro-challenge' and forms part of the ghost time trial.

Verstappen sets the challenge in a new video and invites players to race against him at Circuit Zandvoort. This feature will be playable from August 29th until September 4th. The Dutchman has set the bar high with a 1:10:621. His pole position time at the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix was a 1:10.342. Beating Verstappen's target time would place you at least fourth on the grid for last year's race at Zandvoort, meaning it's quite a target.

Those who achieve this target will earn his special Dutch Grand Prix helmet in-game to recognise their victory. This is part of F1 World, which has continued to evolve, as highlighted by Senior Creative Director at Codemasters, Lee Mathers. “We are beyond thrilled with the launch of the new ‘Pro Challenge’ feature in ‘F1® World’. Giving players the opportunity to directly engage and compete against their favourite drivers in the game is something we always wanted to deliver. F1 World will continue to evolve, creating more moments for players to test their virtual racing skills against their real-world heroes.”

Leclerc will be the next driver setting a target lap time. On September 5, players will be beckoned to surpass the lap time set by Leclerc to win a special Scuderia Ferrari item for the 2023 Italian Grand Prix.

The latest update will bring a host of new content for fans to enjoy, including the anticipated return of Daniel Ricciardo to F1 23. From August 29, players can take the wheel as the Aussie racing legend in-game, as well as enjoy the new layout of the Marina Bay Circuit, which has been updated to reflect the real-world changes to several of the circuit's corners. The third driver ratings update will follow on September 19, updating profiles to match real-life performance.

More 'F1 World' challenges will be available throughout September, including five ‘F1 Replays’ events, along with new studio-curated Scenario Events featuring Valtteri Bottas, Logan Sargeant and Lando Norris to test even the most seasoned veteran. ‘F1 World’ will continue to deliver regular gameplay updates, earning players exclusive team and seasonal rewards, including special edition items.