F1 25 - Controls

Learning the F1 25 controls is not only about knowing how to accelerate, brake and steer. Once a race gets busy, you may need to activate DRS, deploy ERS, change gears, adjust settings through the MFD and control the pit limiter while still keeping the car on the racing line.

F1 25 supports controllers, keyboards and a wide selection of racing wheels. Controls can also be customised, so your own bindings may differ from the defaults below. This guide covers the standard driving controls for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC keyboard, followed by the functions worth learning once you are comfortable behind the wheel.

F1 25 PS5 Controls

Some buttons perform different actions depending on the situation. Triangle, for example, operates DRS on track and the pit limiter when appropriate. X is also used for Gear Up, the clutch and manual pit stop functions in their relevant contexts.

F1 25 Xbox Controls

F1 25 PC Keyboard Controls

The following bindings are for the default QWERTY keyboard layout. F1 25 also supports QWERTZ and AZERTY layouts.

How to Change Controls in F1 25

F1 25 lets you customise inputs through the Controls, Vibration & Force Feedback settings. This is useful on a controller where the number of available buttons is limited, and even more important on a racing wheel where button positions vary considerably between models.

Do not change everything immediately. Drive several laps with the standard layout first, identify the actions that feel awkward, then build a custom mapping around the functions you actually use.

How DRS Works in F1 25

DRS opens the rear wing in permitted DRS zones, reducing drag and increasing straight line speed. When DRS is available, use Triangle on the default PlayStation layout, Y on Xbox or F on keyboard.

In races where the normal DRS eligibility rules apply, being sufficiently close to the car ahead at the detection point can make DRS available in the following activation zone. The HUD helps indicate when you are approaching a DRS zone and when activation is possible.

If you do not want to manage it manually, DRS Assist can handle activation for you.

How ERS and Overtake Work

ERS stores recovered electrical energy that can be deployed to provide additional performance. The Overtake control gives you direct access to extra deployment when you need it.

The default Overtake button is L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox and M on keyboard. Watch the ERS information on the HUD rather than holding Overtake throughout every straight. Spending too much energy early can leave you without the extra deployment when defending or attacking later.

ERS Assist is available for players who would rather concentrate on braking, steering and racecraft while the game manages deployment.

What Is the MFD?

The Multi Functional Display, usually shortened to MFD, gives you access to useful car and race information while driving. Depending on the session and settings, it can be used to inspect or adjust relevant race functions without pausing.

On the default controller setup, Circle opens the MFD on PlayStation and B does the same on Xbox. Navigate it with the D Pad. Keyboard players use Numpad 0 and the arrow keys.

Learn the MFD somewhere safe before trying to navigate it through a difficult sequence of corners. Long straights are the sensible place to make most changes.

How Manual Gears Work

With manual gears enabled, the default controller mapping uses X to shift up and Square to shift down on PlayStation. Xbox uses A to shift up and X to shift down. Keyboard players use Space and Shift.

Manual gears provide more direct control over the car. They let you choose when to short shift for traction, hold a gear through a corner or downshift during braking.

If that feels like too much when starting out, Automatic Gears are perfectly useful while you learn tracks and braking points. You can move to manual shifting once basic car control feels comfortable.

How the Pit Limiter Works

The pit limiter helps keep the car within the permitted pit lane speed. On the default controls it shares the DRS input: Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox and F on keyboard.

Watch for the pit entry line and reduce your speed before crossing it. Activating the limiter is not a substitute for braking in time if you arrive at pit entry too quickly.

How to Use Flashback

Flashback allows you to rewind a mistake when the game mode and settings permit it. The default Replay / Rewind input is the Touch Pad on PlayStation, View on Xbox and X on keyboard.

It is useful for learning. If you repeatedly miss the same braking point, rewind and try a different approach rather than simply restarting the entire lap.

F1 25 Racing Wheel Controls

F1 25 supports numerous racing wheels from manufacturers including Fanatec, Logitech and Thrustmaster. Exact button assignments depend on the wheel, so there is no single layout that accurately represents every supported device.

The basic arrangement is familiar: the steering wheel controls direction, pedals handle throttle and braking, and paddle shifters are normally used for manual gears. Additional wheel buttons can be assigned to DRS, Overtake, the MFD, pit limiter, radio and other functions.

If your wheel or pedals register an input while untouched, inspect the calibration settings. Deadzone, saturation and linearity can help correct hardware behavior and alter how physical movement translates into an in game input.

Which Controls Should Beginners Learn First?

Start with steering, throttle and braking. Once you can complete consistent laps, learn gears if you want manual shifting, followed by DRS and Overtake. MFD management and more advanced adjustments can come later.

Formula 1 cars demand several inputs in a very short period of time, but you do not need to master them all on your first race. Consistency matters more than trying to operate every system at once.