Formula 1 97: The Defining 90s Racing Simulator

Formula 1 97 is a classic motorsport racing simulation that captures the high-speed intensity of the 1997 FIA World Championship. Released in the fall of 1997 by publisher Psygnosis and developer Bizarre Creations, it stands as a major turning point for early 3D console racers.

You get two very different ways to experience the track. Grand Prix mode demands patience. Players have to manage fuel loads and keep a close eye on tire wear throughout the event. Make a bad turn into a wall, and the damage sticks with your car for the rest of the laps. That said, Arcade mode tosses most of those heavy mechanics out the window. It acts as a straight-up adrenaline rush where you just hold down the gas and fight for first place without stressing over pit stop strategies.

The visuals pull a lot of weight for hardware from this era. Bizarre Creations managed to include dynamic weather conditions, meaning a perfectly sunny afternoon can turn into a massive downpour mid-race. The rain isn’t just some neat graphical trick either. It actively ruins your grip on the asphalt. Add in the studio commentary from legendary broadcasting duo Murray Walker and Martin Brundle, and the whole package feels surprisingly authentic.

Here’s where the licensing gets a bit weird. The roster includes almost every official team and track from that specific season. But Jacques Villeneuve—the driver who actually won the championship that year—isn’t technically in the game. Copyright issues forced the developers to swap him out at the last minute for a generic stand-in known as “Driverone Williams.” It’s a glaring hole in the grid. Even so, the rest of the historical lineup is completely intact.

Game Controls

If you are playing the original PlayStation version, the controller setup is straightforward.

• D-Pad / Left Analog Stick: Steer the car
• X Button: Accelerate
• Square Button: Brake / Reverse
• L1 / R1 Buttons: Shift gears down and up
• Triangle Button: Cycle through camera views

As always, remember to have fun!