Image Space really did their homework and developed a highly believable driving model. One indication that the game is very realistic is the fact that I've heard many positive things from diehard GPL fans who generally look down their noses at arcade racers. Despite the stiffness of the suspensions of formula one cars, F1CS2K accurately conveys a sense of weight transfer, and skidding sounds to help you drive the car at the limit. Learning how to brake at high speed with downforce, and at low speed without downforce, takes an effort, as does getting off a car without spinning it. Every principle of driving within the car's limits applies here.
Setup options are abundant.
Without telemetry, though, some of them are hard to change, but the most important option, tire temperatures across each tire, are provided. The setups really do alter the performance of the car, as you would expect them to. Finding a neutral handling car is a mixture of your driving style and setup. Simulation junkies will find great delight in tweaking setups to perfection. One very important feature is the abliity to change brake bias, on the fly, from the cockpit.