It was developed by Edward Grabowski Communications Ltd[1] and published by MicroProse, and is licensed by FIA to have real statistics for the 1996 Formula One season.

Before the start of a long term scenario, the player(s) may freely edit the teams and personnel to their liking by using a simple in-game editor.

During the game the player(s) must hire and dismiss personnel, negotiate with sponsors to secure the team's finances, control the research of new parts to stay competitive, negotiate contracts with engine, fuel, and spare parts suppliers, control testing and set up the car according to hints given by the drivers.

Before the race the fuel and tyre strategy of both cars has to be set; the game gives a suggestion to the player(s) which can be freely modified.

This was due to Villeneuve owning the copyright to his name and likeness at the time, unlike other drivers whose image rights were signed over to FOCA.

This game still has an active community built around it,[3] providing updates of seasons past and present using both the internal and third party editing tools.