Loop-the-loops, boost pads, and red “seeker” missiles are not the kinds of fodder you expect from a game boasting the official Formula One license and featuring the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton on its cover. Seeing these motor racing superstars inhabit a cartoon world that staunchly defies the rules of physics and fair play is, initially, equal parts bizarre and enticing.

Catching out Kimi Raikkonen on the last corner with a well-timed boost, taking the shortcut over the top of a castle to get past Jensen Button, positioning a rain cloud over Mark Webber’s head–there’s a novelty to all of this that is undoubtedly charming. Unfortunately, the charm doesn’t last long.A few hours in and you realise this the technical world of F1 and the crazy realm of karting don’t mix well together here, and that if it weren’t for the F1 license, you would struggle to find reasons to play this over any of the many other similar racers already out t…