EA Sports Halts 2026 F1 Game Release, Shifts Focus to Content Update for F1 25
EA Sports has announced it will not be releasing a standalone Formula 1 game in 2026. Instead, the publisher plans to provide a paid content update for the existing F1 25 title, which launched on May 30, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
This decision marks a departure from the studio’s historical practice. EA’s subsidiary Codemasters had consistently released annual titles since 2009, with the exception of 2015, when F1 2015 debuted with fewer features. The upcoming update for F1 25 will include the 2026 teams and cars, with a full new game expected in 2027 that promises a “deeply authentic and innovative representation of the action and thrill of Formula 1.”
Lee Mather, senior creative director at Codemasters, stated, “F1 25 has been an incredible success… now is the perfect time for us to look ahead and build for the future.” He emphasized the franchise’s commitment to evolving the user experience in partnership with Formula One Management and the participating teams.
The F1 landscape will be significantly transformed in 2026 with new engine and aerodynamic regulations, as well as the addition of Cadillac to the grid and Sauber’s rebranding as Audi. This expansion will be priced lower than a traditional release, though F1 25 will still be necessary for access.
This strategy is similar to Codemasters’ approach with Formula 2, where updates have historically added current data as free additions following a game’s launch. Future pricing details and release dates for the F1 25 2026 update are expected to be announced later.
