The artificial intelligence reacts to everything within the distance view of a real driver, and its tendencies are based on the tendencies of the actual drivers. Polite drivers will move aside to allow a faster car to pass, whereas drivers who are known to be pushy will block your way. Drivers may even make mistakes or drive erratically, cruising over rumble strips, taking a corner too tight and throwing their car into a spin, taking out other drivers or even crashing into pit walls. Average lap times and grid pacings for each driver are based on last year's championship. In-car sound effects have been created using a DAT recorder strapped to the driver of a F1 car.
External noises are actual pit and track recordings as well.
An even more realistic feel is given to the audio with dynamically calculated Doppler effects presented in Dolby Surround. The rock music soundtrack includes licensed titles from Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, as well as 12 specially produced tracks from Overdrive. Arcade mode handles like most arcade racing games. Handling is simple and intuitive, with power slides, doughnuts, and responsive control. Crashes are merely a temporary setback.