Players can choose from a multitude of options, whether they are looking for a quick fix or want to participate in the full procession of Qualifying and Race. In addition to single player, F1 2010 has a feature-rich online mode that has remained popular since its launch. Upon entering the motorhome in the main hub, the player can view their helmet design, drivers and constructors championship standings, settings for career mode, and a comprehensive, year-by-year summary of each driver and team (with the exception of Fernando Alonso, whose history is summarized into multi-year tidbits). Players are forced to retire after the end of the third, fifth, or seventh season. The developer diaries released by Codemasters have revealed that impromptu interviews are more sensationalist than formal press conferences and that the player may need to be wary of what they say to the media lest they say something they should not and upset their team. Impromptu interviews will take place alongside the official interviews following each race.

Media interest will also change, depending on whether the player is racing for one of the top teams, or a team at the back of the grid and will reflect the progress the player makes, more success will equal more media attention and more points. For example, racing for Ferrari and anything other than winning the Driver's and Constructor's Championship would be a failure, while a mere points finish when driving for Lotus would be a huge success. Where players can drive for any team, each have their own objectives. The game features a career mode consisting of either three, five or seven seasons (depending on the user's choice). The player's team will develop new parts and updates for their car throughout the season, evolving the car as the season progresses. Research also features in F1 2010, in which players can earn receive new parts, updates and upgrades as they are developed by consistently out-running a teammate. Evolving tracks are also featured elsewhere in the game at the start of a race weekend, the track will be 'green' and therefore have less grip, but as the weekend progresses, rubber will be laid down onto the track, increasing the grip. If a car strays from the dry line, the tyres will lose grip and it will be harder to drive. When the rain stops, a 'drying line' will start to appear which will provide more grip and will make it easier to drive. Overhanging trees, for example, will shelter the track, while dips and indentations in the tarmac will hold more standing water and provide a greater risk.

When it begins to rain, the track will gradually lose grip, with some areas losing grip faster than others. F1 2010 features 'the most complicated weather system ever seen in a racing game' which is integral to F1.

F1 2010 pc gameplay