F1 25 to receive 2026 expansion, new “reimagined” game coming in 2027

Ever since it acquired the license, Codemasters has released a Formula 1 game every year like clockwork since 2009. But that will change next year.

In a surprise announcement about the franchise’s future, Codemasters revealed that a new Formula 1 game won’t be released next year for the first time in 16 years.

Instead, F1 25 will receive a paid expansion next year for the 2026 season. As part of a “strategic reset for the F1 franchise,” the DLC will represent changes planned for next year’s championship, including new cars, regulations, teams and drivers.

Next year’s Formula 1 championship sees Audi, which acquired Sauber last year, and Cadillac join the grid, along with new regulations that will make the cars smaller, lighter and more agile.

Pricing details and a release date for the 2026 expansion will be confirmed next year according to EA, so it remains to be seen how expensive it will be.

EA Sports WRC adopted a similar strategy. The rally title was initially released in 2023, with paid DLC adding stages and cars from the 2024 World Rally Championship.

New “reimagined” F1 game coming in 2027

Following the 2026 DLC, the next F1 game will be released in 2027. According to Codemasters, the 2027 Formula 1 game will deliver a “refreshed experience” that “looks, feels, and plays differently,” while “delivering more gameplay choices.”  

Although details are light, Codemasters says the 2027 game will provide a “deeply authentic and innovative representation of the action and thrill of Formula 1, reimagined into a more expansive experience.”

“F1 25 has been an incredible success, fueled by the passion of fans and the energy of the sport. With Formula 1’s momentum on and off the track, now is the perfect time for us to look ahead and build for the future,” said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.

“We’re fully committed to the EA SPORTS F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan extends this year’s excitement with the 2026 expansion and reimagines the F1 experience for 2027 to deliver even more for players at every level around the world.”

The announcement comes following uncertainty about whether Codemasters’ F1 game contract will be renewed. Its license to produce Formula 1 games was due to expire at the end of 2025, with an option to extend it for an additional two years.