should I use ABS on controller in F125

Learn about should I use ABS on controller in F125

Updated October 18, 2025

If you’re asking “should I use ABS on controller in F125,” you’re likely tired of lock-ups, long braking zones, and inconsistent corner entries. That frustration is normal: F1 25 gives you huge braking power but limited trigger travel on a gamepad, so it’s easy to over-brake. This guide will help you decide when to use ABS, set it up properly, and build controller-friendly braking habits.

Quick Answer

Use ABS ON at first if you’re playing on a controller. It stabilizes braking, prevents lock-ups, and helps you learn lines and references. As you get consistent, try ABS OFF in Time Trial with lower brake pressure and a safer brake bias to unlock a little more pace. Switch based on your goals: consistency first, ultimate speed later.

Why should I use ABS on controller in F125 Feels So Hard at First

You have massive carbon brakes with tiny trigger travel, so small inputs cause big weight transfer.
F1 cars shift weight forward quickly; front wheels lock easily if you brake too hard, too late, or while turning.
On a controller, fine modulation is harder than on pedals, so ABS can be a useful bridge.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know when to use ABS, how to configure your controller for both ABS ON and OFF, and how to practice so your braking becomes a strength.

What should I use ABS on controller in F125 Actually Means in F1 25

ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) assist: When ON, the game prevents full wheel lock under braking.
What ABS does for you:
- Pros: Fewer lock-ups, more stability, easier trail braking on a pad, consistent corner entry.
- Cons: Slightly longer stopping distances and less rotation from trail braking at the absolute limit.
ABS vs Braking Assist:
- ABS ON still means you control the brakes.
- Braking Assist applies the brakes for you and should be OFF if you want to improve.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

Hardware: Xbox/PlayStation/PC controller with analog triggers (e.g., Xbox Wireless, DualSense).
Game modes to use for testing:
- Time Trial (clean track, stable conditions).
- Grand Prix or Career for race scenarios.
Menus you’ll use:
- Settings > Assists
- Settings > Controls, Vibration & Force Feedback
- Controls > Calibration (Brake Deadzone/Linearity/Saturation)
- Car Setup (Brake Bias, Brake Pressure)

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve should I use ABS on controller in F125

Decide your immediate goal

If you’re new or inconsistent: Run ABS ON.
If you’re chasing leaderboard/league pace: Plan short practice blocks with ABS OFF.

Turn ABS ON or OFF

From Main Menu (or Pause in-session): open Settings.
Go to Assists.
Set Anti-Lock Brakes to ON for stability, OFF for maximum pace.
Success check: You’ll see Anti-Lock Brakes toggled ON/OFF on the Assists screen.

Set controller brake calibration (works for both ABS ON and OFF)

Settings > Controls, Vibration & Force Feedback > your controller preset > Calibration.
Recommended starting points for pads:
- Brake Deadzone: 0–2 (avoid dead pedal feel).
- Brake Linearity: 20–35 (more fine control at the start of trigger travel).
- Brake Saturation: 0 (use full range).
Success check: In the calibration screen, gently press the brake and confirm the input bar rises gradually.

Enable strong feedback cues

Settings > Controls, Vibration & Force Feedback:
- Vibration: 80–100 (ensure you feel tire scrub).
- Trigger effects/haptics (if available): Medium–High.
Why: Trigger/haptic cues help you sense impending lock-ups and modulate pressure.

Adjust car setup to match your ABS choice

Car Setup > Suspension/Brakes (naming can vary slightly):
- With ABS ON:
  - Brake Pressure: 100% (common and safe).
  - Brake Bias: 54–57% front (track dependent).
- With ABS OFF:
  - Brake Pressure: 95–98% (start 97%).
  - Brake Bias: 55–58% front to reduce rear locks when learning.
Success check: You should see Brake Pressure below 100% if ABS OFF, and a front-heavy bias.

Practice plan (10-minute drills)

Pick Time Trial at a track with clear boards (e.g., Monza or Spain).
Drill A (ABS ON):
- Brake at the 100m board from top speed, squeeze then release as you turn.
- Aim for zero smoke, smooth turn-in, consistent apex speed.
Drill B (ABS OFF):
- Same markers. Squeeze quickly to about 90% pressure, then progressively release as speed drops.
- If you see smoke/hear scrub, slightly reduce initial trigger pressure or move bias forward 1%.
Success check: Your delta times stabilize and you enter corners without smoke or snaps.

Compare laptimes and feel

Do 5 clean laps with ABS ON, then 5 with ABS OFF.
If ABS OFF is slower or stressful, keep ABS ON for races and revisit later.
If ABS OFF becomes equal or faster with control, consider using it in competitive modes.

Common Mistakes and Myths About should I use ABS on controller in F125

Myth: “ABS is for casuals only.”
- Reality: ABS is a training tool and a legit choice for controller consistency, especially early on.
Mistake: Maxing Brake Pressure at 100% with ABS OFF on a pad.
- Fix: Start 95–98% until your modulation improves.
Mistake: Running very rearward Brake Bias to help rotation.
- Risk: Rear lock and spins. Keep it 55–58% front when learning ABS OFF.
Mistake: Stabbing the trigger.
- Fix: Squeeze quickly, don’t jab. Then release smoothly as you turn (trail braking).
Mistake: Confusing Braking Assist with ABS.
- Fix: Turn Braking Assist OFF if you want to actually learn braking.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

“I’m still locking instantly with ABS OFF.”
- Likely cause: Too much initial pressure or forward weight transfer mid-turn.
- Try: Lower Brake Pressure to 95–96%, add 1% front bias, brake earlier and straighter, increase Brake Linearity to ~30.
“I spin under braking.”
- Likely cause: Rear locking.
- Try: Move Brake Bias +1–2% forward, reduce Brake Pressure 1–2%, reduce downshifts while braking, keep the wheel straighter during heavy braking.
“No change when I toggle assists.”
- Likely cause: Mode restrictions or unsaved settings.
- Try: Check the event/lobby rules screen; some online events restrict assists. Ensure you hit Apply/Save before exiting menus.
“I can’t feel the car on the triggers.”
- Likely cause: Low vibration/haptics.
- Try: Increase Vibration/Trigger Effect strength; ensure controller firmware and platform settings allow vibration.
“My times got worse with ABS OFF.”
- Likely cause: Learning curve.
- Try: Stick with ABS ON for races. Practice ABS OFF in short Time Trial sessions. Don’t force it on race day.
Note: Don’t max out Brake Linearity or lower Brake Pressure excessively. Overdoing either can make the pedal feel numb and lengthen stopping distances.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

Use reference boards and shadows: Commit to 150m/100m/75m and adjust by ±5m rather than guessing.
Learn trail braking: Heavy in a straight line, then smoothly bleed off as you add steering.
Track-specific tweaks:
- High-speed stops (Monza T1): Slightly more front bias.
- Technical tracks (Monaco, Hungary): A touch lower Brake Pressure for control with ABS OFF.
HUD feedback: Watch for tire smoke and listen for scrub; these are your lock-up warnings.
Consistency rule: If ABS OFF is only sometimes faster, race with ABS ON until your variance shrinks.

How to Know It’s Working (Definition of Done)

With ABS ON:
- You rarely see smoke under braking.
- Corner entries feel stable and repeatable.
- Your lap deltas vary by less than ±0.3s.
With ABS OFF:
- Minimal smoke on corner entry; no sudden snaps.
- You can brake at the same board every lap and hit apexes consistently.
- Your ABS OFF laps match or beat your ABS ON pace over 5–10 laps.

Controller brake setup deep dive: Fine-tuning Brake Deadzone, Linearity, and Saturation for F125.
Braking technique: Learn threshold braking and trail braking on a controller.
Brake bias and pressure by track: How to adjust per circuit for confidence and pace.

In short: Start with ABS ON for stability and learning. As your consistency improves, experiment with ABS OFF using safer brake pressure and bias settings. Choose the option that keeps you clean, confident, and fast over a race distance.