EA Sports Will Not Release F1 26, Adds New Content to F1 25 Instead
EA Sports and Codemasters have announced a surprising decision for Formula 1 fans: there will be no full F1 game release in 2026. Instead, F1 25 will receive premium content updates, marking the first time since 2009 that a yearly F1 game will be skipped. The move comes after F1 25 achieved strong sales and received positive reviews from players, media, and professional F1 drivers. This decision aligns with a multi-year investment plan supported by Formula One Management and all racing teams.
The paid premium content update will include major changes for the 2026 season, such as new cars, updated aerodynamics, next-generation hybrid engines, and the inclusion of Cadillac and the transformation of Sauber into Audi. The update will cost less than a full game but requires ownership of F1 25 as a base, allowing players to follow the real-life season without purchasing an entirely new game. EA has yet to announce the exact release date or pricing, which is expected next year.
Lee Mather, Creative Director at Codemasters, stated that F1 25 is the perfect platform to look toward the future. With the momentum of F1 on and off the track, the team is focused on creating the 2026 update and preparing a new game in 2027 that will expand gameplay, controls, and experiences significantly compared to previous titles.
This approach mirrors what EA has done with Formula 2 and EA Sports WRC, offering new seasonal content as paid or occasionally free updates. For F1 fans, this may be good news, as it ends the cycle of minor yearly updates at full price, reducing complaints about bugs and unfinished content while giving developers more time to craft a substantial next-generation game.
The change coincides with a revolutionary 2026 season, featuring new regulations that emphasize electric power and active aerodynamics, allowing Codemasters to deliver a more realistic F1 experience. With this approach, F1 25 will cover two consecutive seasons, bridging the gap until the fully redesigned 2027 game.
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