Automobilista 2 | The Ultimate Formula 1 Season Guide (Updated)

When it comes to retro content in sim racing, it is hard to ignore Automobilista 2 – the selection is overwhelming, especially for Formula 1 fans. The sim currently offers no less than 15 Formula 1 seasons, spanning six decades – but which exact years are represented is only undoubtedly made clear in very few cases. To give you a better overview of the historic F1 content, we have assembled a guide to the different classes for you and also refreshed things to reflect the state as of late February 2024.

Last updated: November 30, 2023

No less than 51 cars from six decades – the amount of choice is a sight to behold and cannot be found anywhere else, except with mods. The best part: Most of the F1 cars in Automobilista 2 are free and already in the sim, all classes except both F-HiTech generations can be enjoyed without additional DLC.

Thanks to the incredible work of the RaceDepartment community, all generations of F1 cars in Automobilista 2 now feature a livery pack for at least one season they roughly represent.

Accurate Tracks & Locations​

After the update to the first version of this guide in May 2023, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been added to AMS2, expanding the potential calendars of several seasons.
Additionally, we have also added an "Accurate Locations" section to most seasons, meaning you will be able to see tracks that have hosted an F1 event that year, but used a different layout.

The differences to what would have been run back in the day have also been added to the guide - a nice bonus for everyone who is interested in how circuits have changed over the years or wants to know why they are not listed in the "Accurate Tracks" section.

How to Install Skin Packs​

For increased immersion, we recommend skin packs to match the respective seasons. They usually come with AI files, so you will be able to compete against virtual versions of real drivers in singleplayer modes.

If available, the skin packs are linked on the respective season's page. Need a hand with installing them? Check out our handy guide on how to add mods to Automobilista 2 to get up and running!

What would you like to see?​

What other F1 seasons would you want to see represented in Automobilista 2? What are your favorites that are already in the sim? Let us know on Twitter at @RaceDepartment or in the comments below. Please also post about what elements you would like to see added to this guide in the future. Happy racing!

Continue reading​

• 1966/1967 - Formula Vintage Gen 1
• 1969/1970 - Formula Vintage Gen 2
• 1974 - Formula Retro Gen 1
• 1978 - Formula Retro Gen 2
• 1983 - Formula Retro Gen 3
• 1986 - Formula Classic Gen 1
• 1988 - Formula Classic Gen 2
• 1990 - Formula Classic Gen 3
• 1991 - Formula Classic Gen 4
• 1992 - Formula HiTech Gen 1
• 1993 - Formula HiTech Gen 2
• 1995 - Formula V12
• 1997 - Formula V10 Gen 1
• 2000/2001 - Formula V10 Gen 2
• 2011 - Formula Reiza
• 2019 - Formula Ultimate 2019
• 2022/2023/2024 - Formula Ultimate Gen 2
• Full Article

The oldest F1 season in AMS2 does not have one easily identifiable year in particular – two are possible: Both the V8 and V12 cars of the class feature three-liter engines, which were brought back by the 1966 rules. The cars of that year and the following looked very similar, the V8 model could hint at 1967, though – its engine is modeled after the legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV that was introduced that year.

Cars​

• Formula Vintage Gen 1 Model 1 (V8)
• Formula Vintage Gen 1 Model 2 (V12)

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 7, 1967: Azure Circuit - Monaco (Sainte Dévote, Chicane du Port and final sector differ)
• July 2, 1967: Le Mans Bugatti Circuit (changes to almost all corners in the modern version)
• October 1, 1967: Watkins Glen GP (layout was changed significantly for 1971, including relocation of start/finish straight)

Available tracks & locations: 7 out of 11

1967 Skin Pack​

Just two years later, the cars had grown wings: While the models that formed the base was still obvious, the cars did sport a considerably changed appearance. The first wings were brought onto the grid in 1968, but by 1969, the outrageously high wing constructions of the very beginning had been banned already, meaning the cars featured wings closer to the actual chassis. Four models make up this class, and the Brabham BT26A was mainly raced in 1969, while the Lotus 49C only saw competition starting in 1970 – to determine the exact year of the class is therefore impossible.

Cars​

• Brabham BT26A
• Formula Vintage Gen 2 Model 1 (V8)
• Formula Vintage Gen 2 Model 2 (V12)
• Lotus 49C

Accurate Tracks​

1969​

1970​

Accurate Locations​

• May 18, 1969/May 10, 1970: Azure Circuit - Monaco (Sainte Dévote, Chicane du Port and final sector differ)
• July 18, 1970: Brands Hatch (modern version has multiple reprofiled corners, most notably Westfield and Dingle Dell Corner/Sheene's)
• October 5, 1969/October 4, 1970: Watkins Glen GP (layout was changed significantly for 1971, including relocation of start/finish straight)

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 15

1969 Skin Pack

At five cars, this class is represented even better than the the Vintage Gen 2. The only season that the Lotus 72E, the McLaren M23 and the Brabham BT44 competed against each other is 1974 – although the cars could be seen on track in 1975 as well, with Brabham using a B-version that is not available in the sim. Also, Emerson Fittipaldi celebrated his second world title in 1974, and with Reiza being a Brazilian studio, it is likely that this is the year chosen by them.

Cars​

• Brabham BT44
• Formula Retro Gen 1 Model 1 (V12)
• Formula Retro Gen 1 Model 2 (V8)
• Lotus 72E
• McLaren M23

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 26, 1974: Azure Circuit - Monaco (Sainte Dévote, Chicane du Port and final sector differ)
• July 20, 1974: Brands Hatch (modern version has multiple reprofiled corners, most notably Westfield and Dingle Dell Corner/Sheene's)
• September 8, 1974: Monza 1991 (until 1975, a different first chicane and none at Curva della Roggia were used)

Available Tracks & Locations: 9 out of 15

1974 Skin Pack​

The Lotus 79 was used in both 1978 and 1979 and is famous for kicking off the Ground Effect era. A championship winner in the hands of Mario Andretti in 1978, the car sees competition with the Brabham BT46B – the legendary Fan Car, which won the only Grand Prix it was ever raced in – the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. Thus, all signs point to 1978 as the season the class is representing, the only exception being the Brabham BT49, which was introduced in late 1979.

Cars​

• Brabham BT46B
• Brabham BT49
• Formula Retro Gen 2 (V8)
• Lotus 79

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• April 2, 1978: Long Beach (different layout than modern version)
• May 7, 1978: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different Chicane du Port and Piscine sections)
• July 16, 1978: Brands Hatch (modern version has multiple reprofiled corners, most notably Westfield and Dingle Dell Corner/Sheene's)
• October 1, 1978: Watkins Glen GP No Chicane (chicane in the uphill Esses not present in modern version)
• October 8, 1978: Montreal 1988 (until 1986, pit straight was located immediately after the hairpin, more chicanes before island hairpin)

Available Tracks & Locations: 11 out of 16

1978 Skin Pack​

No more Ground Effect, but increasingly powerful turbocharged engines – the season in question is 1983. The first year after the ban on Ground Effect aerodynamics saw Nelson Piquet take his second world title in his Brabham-BMW BT52, which was introduced to the sim in the Brazilian Legends DLC. Additionally, the McLaren MP4/1C of 1983 takes to the grid, easily identifiable by its slimmer sidepods compared to the 1982 version.

Cars​

• Brabham BT52
• Formula Retro Gen 3 DFY (naturally aspirated V8)
• Formula Retro Gen 3 Turbo (V6 Turbo)
• McLaren MP4/1C

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• March 13, 1983: Long Beach (different layout than modern version)
• May 15, 1983: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different Chicane du Port and Piscine sections)
• June 12, 1983: Montreal 1988 (until 1986, pit straight was located immediately after the hairpin, more chicanes before island hairpin)
• July 16, 1983: Brands Hatch (modern version has multiple reprofiled corners, most notably Westfield and Dingle Dell Corner/Sheene's)

Available Tracks & Locations: 12 out of 15

1983 Skin Pack​

The height of turbo-powered engines – never has F1 seen more horsepower! Two cars without obvious real-life counterparts plus the Lotus 98T as driven by Ayrton Senna and Johnny Dumfries induce tons of wheelspin in this class, which is no surprise at 1300 and 1380 horses respectively. Model 1 bears some similarity to the Williams FW11, while Model 2 could is likely based on the Arrows A9. Careful with that throttle pedal!

Cars​

• Formula Classic Gen 1 Model 1 (1300 HP)
• Formula Classic Gen 1 Model 2 (1380 HP)
• Lotus 98T

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 11, 1986: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• June 15, 1986: Montreal 1988 (until 1986, pit straight was located immediately after the hairpin, more chicanes before island hairpin)
• July 13, 1986: Brands Hatch (modern version has multiple reprofiled corners, most notably Westfield and Dingle Dell Corner/Sheene's)

Available Tracks & Locations: 12 out of 16

1986 Skin Pack​

Before their reintroduction in 2014, turbo engines had last been used in 1988. In anticipation for the 1989 season, some teams were already racing naturally aspirated engines, which the class with its three cars reflects. Both V8 vehicles do not differ too much except for weight and power, the V6 version sports a less powerful turbo engine compared to 1986 – which was the right one to have for McLaren in the real 1988 season, as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost famously won every race but the Italian Grand Prix that year. Their MP4/4 has joined the class with the addition of the Brazilian Legends DLC.

Cars​

• Formula Classic Gen 2 Model 1 (V8)
• Formula Classic Gen 2 Model 2 (V8)
• Formula Classic Gen 2 Model 3 (V6 Turbo)
• McLaren MP4/4

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 15, 1988: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different Chicane du Port and Piscine sections)
• July 10, 1988: Silverstone 1975 with Chicane (different final chicane)
• October 30, 1988: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 12 out of 16

1988 Skin Pack​

F-Classic Gen 3 used to be what is now Gen 4, as the McLaren MP4/5B was introduced with the Brazilian Legends DLC to create a new class set a year earlier. True to the actual 1990 season, there is a nice variety of engine layouts, as well as paddle and H-shifters, all fitting in nicely with a lot of the vintage circuits AMS2 has to offer.

Cars​

• Formula Classic Gen 3 Model 1 (Manual V12, 725 HP)
• Formula Classic Gen 3 Model 2 (Sequential V8, 632 HP)
• Formula Classic Gen 3 Model 3 (Manual V10, 734 HP)
• Formula Classic Gen 3 Model 4 (Manual V8, 661 HP)
• McLaren MP4/5B

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 27, 1990: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• July 15, 1990: Silverstone 1975 with Chicane (different final chicane)
• October 21, 1990: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 12 out of 16

1990 Skin Pack​

Ayrton Senna wins the world championship for the third time, Michael Schumacher makes his debut – 1991 was an exciting season without a doubt. The three generic cars of the F-Classic Gen 4 class in AMS2 are from that year – the V12 car is a Ferrari 643, the V10 has the characteristic appearance of the Williams FW14, and the V8 is a Benetton B191 – including the H-pattern shifter. The Brazilian Legends DLC also added the McLaren MP4/6, Senna's final World Championship winning car.

Cars​

• Formula Classic Gen 4 Model 1 (V12)
• Formula Classic Gen 4 Model 2 (V10)
• Formula Classic Gen 4 Model 3 (V8)
• McLaren MP4/6

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 12, 1991: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• October 20, 1991: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 12 out of 16

1991 Skin Pack​

Technology really started to take off in the 1992 season. More and more teams moved away from H-shifters, some introduced Traction Control (like the McLaren MP4-7A) - and one team went all in.

The Williams FW14B, represented by the F-HiTech Gen 1 Model 2, featured active suspension, Traction Control and more electronic gizmos. As a result, Nigel Mansell ran away with the title that year. Racing against the AI, it is clear that the car had an obvious advantage, as the two Model 2 cars usually break away from the pack quite easily.

A nice bonus is the availability of historically accurate tracks and locations: 13 of 1992's 16 Grands Prix are present, nine of them on the proper layouts, even.

Cars​

• Formula HiTech Gen 1 Model 1 (V12)
• Formula HiTech Gen 1 Model 2 (V10)
• Formula HiTech Gen 1 Model 3 (V8, no electronic aids)
• Formula HiTech Gen 1 Model 4 (V10, no electronic aids)
• McLaren MP4/7A

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• March 1, 1992: Kyalami - reworked GP circuit only had Crowthorne added in 2016
• May 31, 1992: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• July 26, 1992: Hockenheim 1992 - the Ostkurve chicane was changed for the 1992 event, but the tighter Senna Kurve (previously Bremskurve 3) was only added in 1994
• October 25, 1992: Kansai Classic Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 13 out of 16

1992 Skin Pack​

If 1992 was ahead of its time, 1993 was basically science fiction. Active suspension, Traction Control, ABS, Launch Control and automatic gearboxes started appearing more frequently. All of these system are simulated in F-HiTech Gen 2. In real F1, teams even experimented with four-wheel steering and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), eliminating gear changes altogether. Neither was raced, though.

All cars of this class have electronic helpers on board, including active suspension for the first time in the history of first-party sim racing content. The major differences are the various engine configurations as raced at the time. All cars feature paddle shifters, too.

The 1993 calendar is the most complete in AMS2. Including accurate locations with slightly differen layouts, 14 of the 16 races can be recreated. Now, we are only waiting for a skin pack and AI files for the full '93 F1 experience.

Cars​

• Formula HiTech Gen 2 Model 1 (V12)
• Formula HiTech Gen 2 Model 2 (V10)
• Formula HiTech Gen 2 Model 3 (V8)
• McLaren MP4/8

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• March 14, 1993: Kyalami - reworked GP circuit only had Crowthorne added in 2016
• May 23, 1993: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• July 25, 1993: Hockenheim 1992 - the Ostkurve chicane was changed for the 1992 event, but the tighter Senna Kurve (previously Bremskurve 3) was only added in 1994
• October 24, 1993: Kansai Classic Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 14 out of 16

1993 Skin Pack​

After the 1995 season, no V12 engine was raced again in Formula 1 – before Toyota made its foray onto the grid in 2002, they were considering doing so with a twelve-cylinder motor but decided on a V10 instead. To date, the Ferrari 412T2 is the final F1 car to be powered by a V12 engine, and it is undoubtably the base for the Formula V12 class in AMS2.

Car​

• Formula V12

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 14, 1995: Barcelona no Chicane (La Caixa had a slightly different profile)
• May 28, 1995: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• June 11, 1995: Montreal (makeshift chicane used in 1994 and 1995 absent from modern version, L'Epingle was slightly moved forward for 2002)
• July 16, 1995: Silverstone 2001 (Copse was rounded off in 1997, Priory and Luffield were slower until 1996)
• September 10, 1995: Monza 1991 (Variante della Roggia was further away from the first Lesmo in 1995, both Lesmos were slowed after 1994)
• September 24, 1995: Cascais 1988 - Estoril (Gancho replaced Tanque after 1994)
• October 10, 1995: Nürburgring GP (Mercedes Arena was built after 2001 European GP, Veedol-Schikane was faster until 2003)
• October 29, 1995: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 15 out of 18

1995 Skin Pack​

The first generation of the Formula V10 class is obviously meant to represent a single season as well – thanks to the McLaren MP4/12 that Reiza has brought into the sim, complete with its infamous second brake pedal. Thus, it is possible to relive the final year until 2017 in which two-meter wide F1 cars were raced.

Cars​

• Formula V10 Gen 1 Model 1
• McLaren MP4/12

Accurate Tracks​

Accurate Locations​

• May 11, 1997: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• May 25, 1997: Barcelona no Chicane (La Caixa had a slightly different profile)
• September 7, 1997: Monza 1991 (Variante della Roggia was further away from the first Lesmo in 1995, both Lesmos were slowed after 1994)
• September 28, 1997: Nürburgring GP (Mercedes Arena was built after 2001 European GP, Veedol-Schikane was faster until 2003)
• October 12, 1997: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 14 out of 17

1997 Skin Pack​

Grooved tires, a narrower track and screaming V10 engines – the second generation of the class could be both the 2000 and 2001 season. Indicative of the latter: The cars feature traction control, which was only allowed again in 2001. Despite this, no one should hold back on enjoying the 2000 season with the fitting skin pack.

Car​

• Formula V10 Gen2

Accurate Tracks​

2000​

2001​

Accurate Locations​

• May 7, 2000/April 29, 2001: Barcelona no Chicane (La Caixa had a slightly different profile)
• May 21, 2000/June 24, 2001: Nürburgring GP (Mercedes Arena was built after 2001 European GP, Veedol-Schikane was faster until 2003)
• June 4, 2000/May 27, 2001: Azure Circuit - Monaco (different final sector)
• September 24, 2000/September 30, 2001: Indianapolis Road Course (modern versions omits loop before Hulman Straight, the following hairpins have turned into a righ-left combination, oval Turn 1 is omitted via slower section)
• October 8, 2000/October 14, 2001: Kansai Classic - Suzuka (modern version has reprofiled corners, most notably 130R and Dunlop)

Available Tracks & Locations: 13 out of 17

2000 Skin Pack​

2001 Skin Pack​

The V8 era with skinny rear wings and slicks is present in AMS2 as well – the Formula Reiza is a carbon copy of the Red Bull RB7. With this car, Sebastian Vettel won his second world championship while the team claimed victory twelve times in 19 races – eleven of which were scored by Vettel. The car works well for the 2012 season, too, which has a full skin pack available.

Car​

• Formula Reiza

Accurate Tracks​

2012​

Accurate Locations​

• May 22, 2011/May 13, 2012: Barcelona with Chicane (La Caixa was tighter from 2006 to 2021)

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 22 (19 races in 2011, 20 in 2012)

2012 Skin Pack​

The only class that does not need further investigation regarding its year – it is stated in the car’s name. The era of re-widened hybrid F1 cars is represented by this class in AMS2.

Car:

• Formula Ultimate Gen 2019

Accurate Tracks​

2019​

Accurate Locations​

• May 12, 2019: Barcelona Chicane (La Caixa was tighter until 2021)

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 21

2020​

Accurate Locations​

• August 16, 2020: Barcelona Chicane (La Caixa was tighter until 2021)

Available Tracks & Locations: 7 out of 14

2021​

Available Tracks & Locations: 8 out of 21

No livery pack available for 2019, but for 2020 and 2021​

Reiza’s most modern F1-based addition to the sim leaves no room for doubt – this is their interpretation of an F1 car under the new-for-2022 set of rules. Not only does it look fantastic, it drives just as well – nothing is in the way of enjoying a 2022 F1 car in the sim. It also lends itself well to the 2023 grid, as well as the 2024 season.

Car​

• Formula Ultimate Gen 2

Accurate Tracks​

2022​

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 22

2023​

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 23

Note: The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was canceled four days before the event after the flooding catastrophe that befell the region at the time. The official 2023 Formula One World Championship calendar only lists 22 events as a result.

2024​

Available Tracks & Locations: 10 out of 24

2022 Skin Pack​

2023 Skin Pack​

2024 Skin Pack​