F1 25 2026 Season: New Features, Release Date & Price Revealed

The 2026 Formula 1 season is already underway, and as always the buzz is building around the official racing game. This year, however, the story takes a sharp turn.

Codemasters has decided to rebuild the franchise from the ground up, a move that will only materialise next year. In the meantime, an update pack for the current 2025 title will be released, serving as the foundation for the upcoming overhaul. While it may sound counterintuitive, this approach has gained traction among sports‑gaming fans who are weary of the annual release cycle, suggesting that a fresh start could bring long‑awaited improvements.

Just days ago, we had the chance to preview the 2026 season package for F1 25, and here’s what we learned.

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Amid the turmoil currently gripping Codemasters, the studio responsible for the official Formula 1 title has announced that it will not release a new game this year.

Instead, players will receive a comprehensive update package that incorporates performance enhancements, fresh features, and significant changes that mirror the current Formula 1 season’s developments.

For those who own last year’s edition, F1 25, the new seasonal update will be available at a reduced price compared to purchasing a brand‑new game.

Although the update builds on the base game, it introduces substantial modifications that will alter gameplay, aligning it with the latest racing regulations and the current season’s ruleset.

As the official Formula 1 title, the game is expected to capture every nuance of the real‑world championship.

Codemasters has confirmed that the cars will mirror the current grid, but the changes go beyond mere visual updates.

The new cars are smaller and lighter—about 30 kg lighter than last year—granting them greater nimbleness and quicker steering response. In addition, the powertrains have switched to hybrid engines, with electric assistance contributing roughly half of the total output, a factor that will shape how you manage your vehicle.

Codemasters has unveiled the Overtake Mode, a cutting‑edge electrical system that replaces the traditional DRS. When you’re within a second of the car ahead, the system activates for a brief burst of power, giving you the extra shove needed to close the gap and set up a decisive pass—while also adding a new layer of tactical depth to every race.

Each single‑seat car now features active aerodynamics, with front and rear spoilers that can be tuned on the fly. This allows drivers to fine‑tune the vehicle’s balance and adapt to changing track conditions in real time.

In addition, the upcoming update will refresh every team, driver, and track detail to reflect the latest real‑world developments, including the introduction of new manufacturers Audi and Cadillac.