F1 2013 Name Change Fix May 2026

, players often encounter a bug where their driver name is locked to "PLAYER ONE" and cannot be changed through standard in-game menus. This typically affects certain versions of the game, particularly after updates or in cracked releases. Core Fixes for the "Player One" Bug

Sometimes the "Player One" issue isn't a file error but a simple input mapping glitch. Keyboard Input F1 2013 Name Change Fix

Backup: Copy your original steam_api.dll in the game's root folder to a safe location. , players often encounter a bug where their

Why It Matters: The Immersion Factor

In 2024, playing F1 2013 is often a choice made by purists. They prefer the twitchy, punishing handling model or the nostalgia of the V8 engine era. For these players, the Name Change Fix is not optional; it is essential. Never use "Quick Resume" or suspended sessions on

Never use "Quick Resume" or suspended sessions on Xbox One/Series (via backward compatibility). Always fully close the game.
Avoid alt-tabbing during autosave on PC. The EGO engine can scramble registry keys during focus loss.
Manual backups: Every month, copy your savegame folder to your desktop. If the name resets, restore the backup.
No special characters: The game crashes or resets names containing symbols (e.g., @, #, $). Use only letters, spaces, and periods.

Step 1: Locate the correct file

Your save data isn't just a single file. The name is stored in two places:

Never use "Quick Resume" or Alt-Tab while the game is saving. Wait for the red light in the bottom right to disappear.
Manual save before quitting. Go to the options menu and hit "Save Game" twice.
Avoid using the Windows "Documents" folder on OneDrive. If OneDrive syncs while you play, it locks the file. Move your My Games folder to a local drive.
Start the game as Administrator. Right-click F1_2013.exe → Properties → Compatibility → Run as Admin. This gives the game exclusive write access.

The Problem: A Grid of Strangers

When F1 2013 was released, Codemasters had secured the license for the current grid, but the "Classic" content was a legal minefield. While they secured the rights to the cars and the likeness of some legends, they couldn't secure the naming rights for every driver.