F1 2013 Name Change Fix 2021 -
Affects:
Before the fix, a bit of context. F1 2013 was built for Windows 7 and Games for Windows Live (GFWL). Even after Codemasters patched out GFWL, a relic remained: Profile encryption tied to legacy User Account Control (UAC) .
In 2021, Windows 10 and 11 handle read/write permissions for Documents folders much more strictly. When you type a new name in the profile menu, the game attempts to write to a .xml configuration file but is denied permission silently. The game doesn’t crash—it just reverts to the old name.
Additionally, Steam Cloud saves from 2013 sometimes lock the profile data, making it immutable.
A: No. F1 2013 has no active anti-cheat for single-player. Modifying the .exe is against the Steam ToS in theory, but Codemasters/EA does not police a 9-year-old game.
The F1 2013 name change fix of 2021 is a textbook example of game preservation through modding. While Codemasters never issued an official patch, the racing community ensured that a beloved entry — one that captures a pivotal era of Formula 1 — remained playable. Today, any player revisiting the high-revving V8s or Nigel Mansell’s FW14B owes a silent thanks to the few modders who, in 2021, refused to let a broken name prompt erase digital history. f1 2013 name change fix 2021
For current support: Search for “F1 2013 Name Fix 2024/2025” on the Overtake.gg forums — the community continues to update the workaround for newer Windows 11 builds.
To fix the name change issue in (often called the "Player One" bug), use one of the methods below. These steps remain effective as of April 2026. 🛠️ Method 1: The "MyF1" Workaround
This is the most reliable way to bypass the bug without installing external files. Start the game and ignore the "Player One" name at launch. Navigate to MyF1 > Driver Information > Driver Details. Manually change your First Name and Last Name here.
Ensure Autosave is on; the game should save your profile immediately. Restart the game to see your updated name. 📂 Method 2: Steam DLL Fix (PC Only)
If the in-game menu doesn't work, a common fix involves replacing a specific file in your game directory. Affects: Before the fix, a bit of context
Download a trusted "Name Changer Fix" or "Crack Name Fix" from community sites like OverTake (formerly RaceDepartment).
Locate your F1 2013 installation folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\F1 2013). Backup your original steam_api.dll file. Replace it with the version from the downloaded fix.
Launch the game and edit your name in the Driver Details menu. 🔧 Method 3: Hardware Workaround Sometimes the input method blocks name editing.
Unplug your wheel: Disconnect your racing wheel or external controllers before starting the game.
Use the Keyboard: Launch with only a keyboard connected, enter your name, then reconnect your wheel once the profile is saved. ⚡ Method 4: Advanced Database Editing why it mattered
For changing AI driver names (e.g., updating the 2013 roster to current drivers), you must use an external tool. Download an EGO Database Editor.
Open the database.bin file located in the game's data folder. Go to the f1drivers table. Modify the text entries for driver names.
Note: This only changes the text. The 3D model and race engineer's voice lines will still refer to the original driver.
📍 Pro Tip: If your save file becomes "corrupted" after an update or name change, you may need to delete your local profile and start a new one with the fixes applied. If you'd like, let me know: Are you on PC or console? Are you trying to change your own name or AI driver names? Do you have mods currently installed?
I can provide specific file paths or links based on your setup. F1 2013 conversion mod - OverTake.gg
The community fix doesn’t reverse-engineer the game’s executable. Instead, it manipulates the local save structure that the game expects.
In the thick technical and legal fog that surrounds Formula 1’s evolving identity—team names, constructor entries, driver contracts, and the sport’s commercial framework—small administrative changes can ripple into years of confusion. One such case centers on the 2013 season’s official naming anomalies and how a 2021 corrective move clarified records, prize allocations, and historical continuity. This post unpacks what changed, why it mattered, and what the fix reveals about modern F1’s governance.