For the first time since 2009, the Formula 1 video game landscape will not feature a standalone annual release. Instead, Codemasters and Electronic Arts have opted to release a paid expansion for EA Sports F1 25. The 2026 Season Pack, the title of this expansion that replaces this year’s game, serves as a transition before the launch of a franchise reimagining Codemasters plans for 2027. In our impressions, we’ll cover everything this paid expansion has to offer speed enthusiasts.
Introducing the EA Sports F1 25 2026 Season Pack
The 2026 Season Pack for EA Sports F1 25 transforms the physical appearance and on-track behavior of the vehicles. The single-seaters are now visually narrower. These alterations have a direct impact on handling, with a slight lack of stability felt compared to the original version. This also leads to a perceptible loss of stability before players adapt to these nuances, as well as reduced physical grip in high-speed corners. According to Codemasters spokespeople, these specifications will result in lap times estimated to be 1.5 seconds slower than the current circuit average.
Another significant change introduced with this update is the elimination of the classic DRS system. Thanks to this, developers have modified the physical position of the front and rear wings to alter the vehicle’s drag. The gameplay introduces two primary configurations that players can manage automatically or manually.
By default, the car starts in Cornering Mode, which keeps the wings closed for increased cornering grip at the cost of speed. The Straight Mode (S Mode), on the other hand, opens the wings to reduce wind resistance and achieve higher speeds on straights. Unlike the previous DRS, S Mode does not require being within a second of another driver; it can be activated freely in specific track zones and automatically deactivates when braking or exiting such a zone.
New Features Compared to EA Sports F1 25
The engine balance for cars under the 2026 regulations shifts to an almost 50/50 split, requiring players to monitor their battery status via the on-screen HUD. The energy system has a standard configuration, but it can be switched to options like Hotlap or Overtake to expend more energy if the situation demands it. Additionally, the game includes Boost Mode, providing a strong surge of speed ideal for attacking or defending positions, though it depletes the battery quickly.
The content of this expansion officially adds the starting grid of the championship, totaling 11 teams and 22 official drivers. Among the new teams, Cadillac stands out as a newcomer to the competition, and Audi is formally integrated, replacing Sauber. The driver market is updated to reflect these real-season movements: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez take seats at the Cadillac team, while Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg join the Audi lineup. Furthermore, Isack Hadjar occupies Yuki Tsunoda’s seat at Red Bull Racing, and Arvid Lindblad joins the Racing Bulls alongside driver Liam Lawson.
Expansion of My Team Mode
These changes from the current season are also reflected in the single-player modes of EA Sports F1 25. Within the My Team mode, the user-created team is directly integrated into the 2026 Season Pack as the twelfth organization on the starting grid, adapting pre-race training programs and current regulations.
It’s important to note that the 2026 regulations are not enabled in multiplayer or F1 World, being restricted to Time Trial, custom Grand Prix races, unranked multiplayer, and split-screen. Regarding visuals, Codemasters confirmed that specific aerodynamic variations of real-life cars, such as the wing designs of Ferrari or Red Bull, will receive an update after the release of the EA Sports F1 25 2026 Season Pack.
Additionally, the circuits already present in the original game do not feature physical track remodels; changes are limited to sponsor signage, markings for Overtake Mode activation zones, and wider pit lanes to accommodate the new teams. No new trophies or achievements are added either. The 2026 Season Pack for EA Sports F1 25 will be available starting Wednesday, June 3rd, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
