Fastest 1

A player could participate in as many seasons as desired the championship mode. The player started out the first season with a "D" level (least desirable) team. Only by winning races did the player get promoted to the more desirable teams of the "C", "B", and "A" levels. A player could modify the steering, gear box, tires, wings, and color of their chosen racing vehicle.

Fastest 1 emphasized simulated Formula One action over arcade-style gameplay. The cornering was harsher that most games released at that time and the player had to shift from neutral, even in cars with automatic transmission, in order for the vehicle to start moving. All modes of the game can accommodated only a single player (except for battle mode which could have up to two players play against up to two computer opponents). In order to race, the player had to attend free practice followed by qualifying in the eight positions (although the player was given two chances to do so). If the player failed to qualify for the race, the player had to instead watch the race as a spectator.