For many players, the F1 25 experience begins with choosing between assist options—whether to run full traction control, switch off ABS, or rely on the racing line. This guide breaks down how assists affect lap times, driving feel, and overall competitiveness. Using Imola as the test track and a Mercedes Simlab steering wheel setup, each assist was toggled on and off to measure performance impact in detail.
F1 25 Assists Guide: The Real Lap Time Differences at Imola
The testing began with a no-assist lap to establish a benchmark. A 1:43 baseline was set, and the game’s elite setting (no ABS, no traction control, no assists) delivered a respectable 1:41. After that, various combinations of assists were turned on—starting with traction control and ABS.
When all assists were activated, including braking and steering assist, the lap time fell apart completely. The car was four seconds slower, and the driving experience became passive. Steering assist and braking assist practically played the game for the driver. Even DRS assist proved slower in races due to suboptimal activation. These features may help first-time players, but anyone aiming for serious performance should switch them off immediately.
Is Traction Control Slowing You Down?
Traction control (TC) on full provided safety but sacrificed acceleration. With TC on full, the car remained stable, but corner exits were sluggish, and power delivery was limited. Switching to TC medium closed the gap significantly—cutting nearly half a second off lap times and bringing performance within a second of the no-assist lap.
TC on medium allowed for controlled rotation without completely breaking traction, making it the best option for players who want some safety without major performance loss. On the other hand, full TC added too much power cut and made it hard to compete with top lap times.
ABS, Gears, and Racing Line: Which Are Worth Keeping?
ABS offered stability, especially for players prone to locking up, but braking distance increased. While ABS can help beginners maintain consistency, it eventually becomes a limiting factor. Removing ABS resulted in immediate gains with proper brake bias tuning, even with occasional lockups. The default 58% brake bias at Imola proved too high, contributing to some of the difficulties. Once adjusted, the car’s stopping power and corner entry improved dramatically.
As for gear shifts, automatic gears only cost about three tenths per lap. The difference came down to throttle control and the ability to downshift for better engine braking or rotate the car more effectively. Racing line, on the other hand, does not directly slow down lap times but provides visual markers that improve consistency, especially on unfamiliar tracks. It’s the least intrusive assist and can stay on for most players.
What Assist Settings Should You Use?
In total, the lap time difference between all assists on and a clean no-assist lap was around 4 seconds. Turning off just steering and braking assist brought back a full second. Switching traction control from full to medium cut another half second. Disabling ABS required more skill but added consistency once mastered. Manual gears offered a small performance gain, mostly benefiting experienced players.
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Best assist setup for intermediate players:
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Traction Control: Medium
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ABS: Off (if confident)
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Gears: Manual (for maximum control)
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Racing Line: On (optional for reference)
Over a full race distance, these changes compound and can result in significant time gains. Pit assist can offer a small advantage by preventing pit entry penalties, but it’s minor in comparison. Ultimately, mastering the balance between assist comfort and raw pace is the key to improving in F1 25.
