In a departure from it’s annual release schedule, EA Sports and Codemasters will forgo a full Formula 1 game for the 2026 season, instead opting for a paid expansion to the highly successful F1 25. the move, announced today, reflects a growing industry trend of extending game lifecycles and allows developers to focus resources on significant regulatory changes coming to the sport in 2026, with a fully reimagined title planned for a full release in 2027. This decision underscores the growing importance of the F1 gaming franchise, backed by new multi-year investment from Formula One Management and the F1 teams themselves.
EA Sports and Codemasters are shifting their strategy for future Formula 1 game releases, opting for an expansion model for the 2026 season instead of a completely new title. This marks a departure from their annual practice of launching a new F1 game coinciding with each racing season.
Instead of a full game release in 2026, players will be able to purchase a paid expansion for F1 25 that will incorporate the new regulations slated for that year. This expansion will include the updated ruleset for the 2026 Formula 1 season, but will not represent a standalone game.
A new, fully-fledged Formula 1 game is currently planned for release in 2027. According to a statement from the game’s publisher and developer, “The game will be reimagined as a more comprehensive experience with new ways to play for fans around the world.”
This shift in strategy aligns with the growing and increasingly international fanbase of Formula 1, with over a third of new fans having engaged with the game within the last four years. The developers emphasized that the updated experience will build upon what existing players value while aiming to fully immerse both new and veteran players in the modern era of the sport.
EA Sports has secured a multi-year strategic investment, with support from Formula One Management and the F1 teams, to further develop the F1 game franchise. This investment underscores the importance of the gaming component to the broader Formula 1 ecosystem.
“F1 25 has been a huge success, driven by the passion of fans and the energy of the sport,” said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. “With Formula 1 continuing to grow both on and off the track, now is the perfect time to look ahead and build for the future. We are fully committed to the EA Sports F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan builds on the momentum of this year with the 2026 expansion and redefines the F1 experience for 2027, allowing us to deliver even more to players worldwide at all levels.”
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The move reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry towards extending the lifecycle of popular titles through expansions and updates. EA Sports and Codemasters, the developers behind the official Formula 1 games, announced a revised release schedule that will see a paid expansion for F1 25 cover the 2026 season, rather than a brand new game.
Traditionally, the companies have released a new F1 game annually, mirroring the changes in each Formula 1 season. However, with significant regulatory changes planned for 2026, they’ve opted to leverage the existing F1 25 platform. Players wanting to experience the 2026 season with its new rules and cars will need to purchase this expansion.
A full new Formula 1 game is still planned for 2027, with developers promising a “reimagined” experience. The company stated that the 2027 release will offer “new ways to play for fans around the world,” and will cater to the sport’s expanding global audience. More than a third of the game’s players have joined the franchise in the last four years, indicating a surge in interest.
“F1 25 has been a huge success, driven by the passion of fans and the energy of the sport,” said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. “With Formula 1 continuing to grow both on and off the track, now is the perfect time to look ahead and build for the future. We are fully committed to the EA Sports F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan builds on the momentum of this year with the 2026 expansion and redefines the F1 experience for 2027, allowing us to deliver even more to players worldwide at all levels.”
The development of the 2027 game is backed by a multi-year strategic investment from Formula One Management and the F1 teams, signaling a strong commitment to the gaming side of the sport. This investment will allow the developers to deliver a more comprehensive and immersive experience for fans.
