Freelancer 1080p mode how-to:

get it on abandonware myabandonware.com/game/freelancer-bbb#download
apply this patch the-starport.net/freelancer/download/singlefile.php?cid=1&lid=15
that site also has multiplayer and mod support, go check them out

install, run and set the resolution to whatever, experience the joy of 4:3 stretched to 16:9

look for C:\Users\your ugly name goes here\Documents\My Games\Freelancer\PerfOptions.ini

change your res in this little section
[Display]
size= 1920, 1080
color_bpp= 32
depth_bpp= 24

then check fonts under \freelancer\data\fonts fonts.ini and rich_fonts.ini

these are my settings, you have to manually scale fonts. i set the font type to commando and calibri, use whatever fits your preferences

next adjust Cameras.ini under freelancer\data\
this setting is responsible for your HUD

after that we're nearly done, go check freelancer.ini under freelancer\exe\

[Display]
fullscreen = 1
size = 1920,1080
color_bpp = 32
depth_bpp = 32

with that you should have a running 1080p version of Freelancer ™️

BUT

there's still the first startup bug. when you enter the game you'll end up in the base screen, and the launch to space button will be barely visible on the top. leave base to space, the HUD will set itself to whatever pov angle you set, and it should be fine from now on both in space and on bases.
this has to be repeated every time you start the game and load savegames.