The game's career mode allows the player to begin with a smaller team and work their way up to the top by achieving personal successes, solving current team goals, and gaining press attention. The player can also look at statistics or advance their personal career through contract negotiations within the "headquarter" truck. Various race configurations and settings are available for each event.
The gameplay features several modes besides the career mode, including custom grand prix, time trials, time attack, and multiplayer. The main changes from F1 2010 include new courses, KERS (a temporary speed boost), DRS (a system to aid overtaking manoeuvres), safety cars, an overhauled AI, improved graphics, updated press system, and a co-op championship mode.