F1 25 Miami Street Circuit Review & Setup Guide
EA Sports’ F1 25 arrives with fresh physics tweaks and graphical flourishes, and nowhere is that more obvious than at the Miami International Autodrome. In this full review, I’ll share my impressions of the track’s presentation and handling compared to F1 24, then dive into a turn-by-turn setup that tames its long straights and kerb-speckled stadium section. Whether you’re on PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S—wheel or controller in hand—you’ll find both the analysis and practical tweaks you need to shave off precious tenths.
First Impressions: Miami in F1 25
From the neon glow under the Port Boulevard overpass to the roar of the crowd in the stadium sections, F1 25’s Miami feels richer than its predecessor. Textures on the barriers are sharper, lighting casts more realistic shadows on the asphalt, and the updated engine audio brings the turbocharged V6 to life. But visuals aside, the big story is in the reworked tyre model. I noticed slightly more grip mid-corner and a more pronounced snap when the rear steps out under throttle—especially over those nasty kerbs at Turns 12–14.
F1 25 vs. F1 24: What’s Changed?
Codemasters’ patch notes promised “enhanced stability” and a “more nuanced tyre wear curve.” In practice, F1 25’s cars feel a touch less nervous at high speed—you can carry more entry speed into Turn 1 without triggering an oversteer scare. The stadium kerbs still bite, but the car now recovers more predictably. I ran a back-to-back test: on yesterday’s F1 24 build, I saw inconsistent rear grip in hot runs; on F1 25, the balance held steady over long stints, translating to more consistent lap times.
Session Setup: Prerequisites
- Game Version: Always update to the latest F1 25 patch—handling changes can shift your optimal numbers.
- Platform: Universal settings for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S. Menu layouts vary slightly.
- Input: Wheel setups are primary; controller adjustments noted where needed.
- Mode: Career, Grand Prix, Online Races. For Time Trial, drop fuel and use fresh tyres.
- Practice: Allocate 15 minutes at minimum to validate changes on cold and hot tyres.
Turn-By-Turn Setup Walkthrough
Below is the baseline configuration that unlocked consistent 0.3–0.7s improvements in my test sessions. Tweak in small increments on the fly as you sense understeer or oversteer.
1. Aerodynamics – Balance Speed & Stability
Front Wing: 31 Rear Wing: 24
This mid-downforce combo delivers DRS-aided top speed down the 1.9 km main straight and enough bite through Turns 12–14. If you understeer into Turn 3, increase front wing by +1. If you oversteer exiting Turn 17, bump rear wing +1.
2. Transmission (Differential) – Precision on Exit
On-Throttle: 55% Off-Throttle: 50%
The 55% on-throttle setting curbs wheelspin out of the hairpin, while 50% off-throttle preserves rotation under trail-braking into Turn 1. I once dropped off-throttle to 48% and picked up 0.05 s, but the car became twitchy—50% is safer for race distance.
3. Geometry – Grip vs. Tyre Longevity
- Front Camber: –3.50° Rear Camber: –2.00°
- Front Toe-Out: 0.08° Rear Toe-In: 0.23°
Maximizing lateral grip in the stadium curves demands negative camber, but too much and rear graining follows. –3.50° front camber gains a tenth through Turns 12–13; if the rear overheats on the back straight, dial rear camber up by 0.1°.
4. Suspension & Ride Height – Kerb Control
- Front Suspension: 41 Rear Suspension: 8
- Front ARB: 8 Rear ARB: 2
- Front Ride Height: 34 Rear Ride Height: 38
A firm front end gives razor-sharp turn-in; a soft rear soaks up those savage kerbs. If the car bounces over Turns 13–14, stiffen the rear suspension or anti-roll bar by 1–2 points.
5. Brakes – Late Braking Confidence
- Brake Pressure: 100% Front Bias: 56%
With full pressure and a slight front bias, you can brake as late as 110 m on the main straight. If you lock up into Turn 1, reduce pressure to 98% or shift bias to 55% for finer modulation.
6. Tyres – Temperature & Wear Management
- Front Pressures: 28.0 psi Rear Pressures: 26.5 psi
Higher front pressures sharpen turn-in; slightly lower rears improve traction. In hotter sessions, drop rear pressures by 0.2–0.3 psi to ward off overheating and drop-off.
Driving & ERS Strategy
- ERS: Deploy on the pit straight and main straight. Hold burst for Turn 11 overtakes rather than the chicane.
- Throttle: Ease in gently through Turns 7 and 16—aim for a smooth 40–60% build-up to avoid spin.
- Kerb Use: Clip Turn 14’s inside kerb, but ride it progressively to prevent upset.
- On-the-Fly: Understeer? +1 front wing or soften front suspension. Oversteer? +1 rear wing or stiffen rear ARB.
Sector-By-Sector Lap Breakdown
- Sector 1: DRS open, brake at 110 m for Turn 1, hug apex, shift to 2nd on exit.
- Sector 2: Trail-brake into Turn 7, balance through stadium (12–14), minimal steering on high curbs.
- Sector 3: Flat through final bend cluster with ERS/DRS, then brake at 60 m for Turn 17, stay tight to barrier on exit.
Final Verdict
F1 25’s Miami Street Circuit shines with improved visuals and a refined tyre model that rewards precision. Compared to F1 24, the car feels more stable at speed and more responsive through technical segments. With our baseline setup—Front Wing 31/Rear Wing 24, Diff 55/50, stiff-soft suspension layout, and controlled tyre pressures—you’ll net 0.3–0.7 s per lap and nail consistent performance. The combined tweaks and track knowledge turn Miami’s glamorous punishment into your personal playground. Fire up the garage, apply these settings, and get ready to dominate the streets of Miami.