For the first time since 2009, there won’t be a new annual Formula 1 game this year. In its place is a paid F1 25 expansion in the form of the 2026 Season Pack. After that, a new “reimagined” standalone game is set to follow in 2027.
Launching on 2 June, the DLC features the new driver and team lineup from this year’s championship, along with the new Madring circuit and sweeping regulation changes.
Ahead of its release next week, a deep-dive gameplay video details what to expect in the season pack.
New active aerodynamics
This year’s season sees the most significant regulation changes the championship has seen since 2014.
To replicate these changes, the 2026 Season Pack introduces a new active aerodynamics system, in which the front and rear wings move from closed to open positions to optimise performance, affecting the car’s visual appearance and handling characteristics.
This is represented in two modes. By default, the cars drive in Cornering Mode with the wings closed, resulting in high downforce but also high drag.
Straight mode, on the other hand, opens the wings to reduce drag and increase straight-line speed. Like DRS, this mode can only be used in designated zones and deactivates when exiting them or braking. Both modes can be activated manually or automatically via an assist.
Boost Mode and Overtake Mode
As part of the new regulations, each car’s power unit has a near 50/50 split between electric and combustion power, with the electric motor providing up to 470 hp of the total power.
Like in the real-world championship, players must manage the energy deployment between two new modes introduced in the 2026 Season Pack, adding a new element of strategy.
Activating Boost Mode delivers an additional power surge to tactically attack or defend positions. This rapidly depletes the battery, but it can be recharged under braking or lifting or partial throttle.
Replacing DRS, a separate Overtake Mode requires the driver to be within one second of the car ahead, with the distance between cars and the battery status displayed in the on-screen HUD. On the next lap, a burst of electric energy can be used at any point.
“All this comes together to create a unique, highly evolved energy management experience for 2026,” said Senior Game Designer Steven Embling. For those who want a more accessible experience, an assist can handle these energy management systems automatically without any input.
Visually, the cars in the 2026 Season Pack are narrower, shorter and nearly 30kg lighter, replicating their real-life counterparts. Their tyres are also narrower, but they have 15% less downforce than the 2025 cars, resulting in slightly less grip on faster corners.
Updated driver and team roster
The 2026 season sees the grid expand to 11 teams, with Cadillac joining as an all-new team and Audi replacing Sauber. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez drive for the all-new Cadillac team, while Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg make up the Audi team.
Elsewhere, Isack Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda in Red Bull Racing, with Arvid Lindblad joining Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.
This updated driver roster will be represented in the 2026 Season Pack, along with new car models and updated liveries. Likewise, the Driver Market will reflect this revised lineup, but only in the 2026 Driver Career and My Team modes.
When starting a new Career or My Team, you can choose to play with either the 2025 or 2026 regulations. Crucially, these are treated as distinct modes with separate save files and no direct progression between 2025 and 2026.
In My Team’s 2026 season, players will join the grid as a 12th team, while practice programs and race objectives will adapt to the new regulations.
In addition to Career and My Team, the 2026 regulations are playable in Time Trial, Custom Grand Prix and multiplayer. However, ranked multiplayer won’t support the 2026 season, nor will the F1 World, co-op career, leagues, or Challenge Career modes.
Codemasters also confirmed that existing track layouts won’t be updated this. However, they will receive updated signage, sponsors and markings reflecting the new season, as well as expanded pit lanes to accommodate the additional team.
There also won’t be any new trophies or achievements for the 2026 Season Pack.
F1 25: 2026 Season Pack release date and price
The F1 25 2026 Season Pack releases on 3 June.
On PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, it will cost £24.99 / $29.99 / €29.99. On PC, it will cost £21.99 / $24.99 / €24.99.
Additionally, the F1 25: 2026 Season Edition will bundle the base game and expansion for £49.99 / $49.99 / €59.99 / £49.99 on consoles and £21.99 / $24.99 / €24.99 on PC.
After the launch, a ‘Sports Update’ patch will add additional updated car models.
F1 2026 Season Pack content overview
- 11 teams including Cadillac and Audi
- 22 drivers across 11 teams
- New Madring track
- Updated 2026 track sponsors
- Overtake Mode
- Active aerodynamics replaces DRS
Supported modes
- Driver Career
- My Team
- Grand Prix
- Time Trial
- Split-screen
- Pro Challenges
- Unranked multiplayer