For those who want to go beyond just changing a profile name, there are powerful tools available. The is a PC-exclusive utility that lets you edit the core game files. While this is more complex, it can be used to change driver names and other in-game data. You can also use the more recent online editors for database games, which work by loading a save file, letting you edit the desired text fields (like PlayerName ), and then saving the file back to your game directory. This method requires you to manually replace the original save file with the edited version, as the editor does not update it in real-time.
If you want the original (e.g., from Steam Community, RaceDepartment, or Codemasters forums), search for: "F1 2013 name keeps resetting" site:steamcommunity.com or "F1 2013 profile name fix"
⚠️ : Editing the Windows Registry is an advanced operation. A mistake can cause system instability. Always create a system restore point or back up your registry before making any changes.
If running on Steam, right-click F1 2013 in your library, select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files to restore missing UI assets. f1 2013 change name fix
In some instances, the game fails to properly write the drivername data to the configuration.xml file, even on legitimate copies. Method 1: The "Driver Information" Fix (Try First)
Press Windows Key + R , type %userprofile%\Documents , and press Enter. Open the directory and locate the F1 2013 folder. Open the hardwaresettings folder.
: This is the most widely cited and effective fix. It's a small (~5MB) file from the RELOADED group that specifically addresses the "unable to change name" bug in their initial release. Simply copy the files into the game's main directory, overwriting existing ones. The patch also fixes another bug that caused higher frame rates to give unfair speed advantages, making online competition fairer. It also adds multiplayer matchmaking improvements and adjusts AI behavior. For those who want to go beyond just
Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\FormulaOne2013 . Delete the hardware_settings_config.xml file. This forces the game to rebuild your profile directory without corrupting the profile data.
Right-click the savegame.dat file again. Select . At the bottom, check the box that says Read-only . Click Apply. This prevents the game from accidentally overwriting your fix with the bug again.
Old name: J O H N (4 letters) New name: N I C K (4 letters) – perfect. If new name is “NIC” (3 letters): type N I C then one space (20 in hex). You can also use the more recent online
using the exact same name as your backup. Quit the game once the new profile saves.
For many players, the keyboard inputs register fine in the main menus but completely freeze the moment the profile creation box appears, locking you into whatever default characters are on screen. This is caused by input mapping conflicts between connected racing wheels, controllers, and the PC keyboard.