Yes, F1 24 features a robust multiplayer suite, including full online matchmaking, a two-player cooperative career mode, cross-platform play, and local split-screen. Whether you want to race against strangers online, build an F1 legacy with a friend, or compete on the couch with family, EA Sports and Codemasters include several ways to jump into multiplayer action.
If you're wondering how the multiplayer components break down across different platforms, game modes, and configurations, here's a complete guide to everything F1 24 offers for multiplayer enthusiasts.
Online Multiplayer Modes and Custom Lobbies
The core of the online experience centers on public lobbies, custom private sessions, and F1 World. Public multiplayer allows up to 22 players to compete in short or full-length Grand Prix weekends, complete with practice, qualifying, and race sessions. You can jump into quick-play hoppers or filter by safety rating to find cleaner racing lobbies.
Custom lobbies give you complete control over race settings. You can toggle rules, safety cars, damage levels, weather conditions, and performance parity to either match real-world car performance or equalize cars so that driver skill dictates the winner.
F1 World also incorporates online multiplayer integration through structured events, weekly series, and temporary leagues. You earn upgrades for your tech-level car as you compete against other players in structured daily and weekly multiplayer scenarios.
Two-Player Career Mode
For players who prefer cooperative progression over one-off races, the two-player Career Mode returns with major upgrades. You and a friend can experience the full Formula 1 Career Mode together, choosing to play either as teammates on the same constructor or as fierce rivals driving for competing teams.
- Team Setup: Decide whether to share a garage or fight for dominance from opposing teams.
- Contract Negotiations: Manage secret meetings and contract offers while balancing your team's development path.
- Progression Synchronization: Progress carries over seamlessly between sessions when both players are available to race.
Crossplay Support
F1 24 supports full crossplay across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. You can race, practice, and play co-op career modes with friends regardless of whether they own the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC platforms via Steam, the EA App, or the Epic Games Store.
If you prefer not to play with users on other hardware, you can disable crossplay through the game's online settings menu, though doing so may increase matchmaking times for public lobbies.
Local Split-Screen Multiplayer
If you want to race someone sitting next to you on the couch, F1 24 includes local split-screen support for two players. This mode allows for quick head-to-head Grand Prix races offline, making it a great option for casual couch competitions. Note that split-screen performance scales down graphical settings slightly to maintain a stable framerate on consoles.
Common Multiplayer Mistakes to Avoid
Jumping straight into online lobbies without preparation can lead to frustration, quick penalties, and low safety ratings. Keep these common missteps in mind:
- Ignoring Safety Ratings: Racing recklessly in public hoppers drops your safety rank, pairing you with chaotic drivers. Focus on clean racing early to enter higher-tier lobbies.
- Overlooking Assist Settings: Online leagues often restrict driving assists. Practice without braking assists and anti-lock brakes (ABS) early so you don't struggle when joining restricted lobbies.
- Neglecting Car Setup: Default setups rarely win races online. Spend time adjusting aero, tire pressures, and suspension geometry for specific tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does F1 24 require a subscription for online multiplayer?
Yes, playing online multiplayer on consoles requires an active subscription, such as PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. PC players do not need an equivalent paid subscription to access online servers.
Can you play split-screen online with other players?
No, F1 24 does not support local players joining an online lobby together on the same console. Split-screen is strictly limited to local offline head-to-head racing.
Is cross-progression supported between different platforms?
No, your multiplayer rank, F1 World progress, and career saves do not transfer across different hardware ecosystems. If you switch from PlayStation to PC, you must start fresh.
How many players can compete in an online race lobby?
Online multiplayer lobbies support a maximum grid of 22 drivers, accommodating real-world roster sizes plus AI fill-ins if a lobby isn't completely full of human players.
