F1 25 breaks 17-year tradition with huge 2026 Season Pack expansion
Key Takeaways
- The EA Sports F1 25: 2026 Season Pack launches on June 3, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, shifting the franchise to a live-service expansion model instead of a standalone annual game.
- The update officially introduces Audi and Cadillac to the grid, alongside fully revised driver lineups and the new Madring hybrid street circuit in Madrid.
- Handling physics are completely updated to reflect real-world 2026 regulations, adding manual active aerodynamics and a redesigned 500-horsepower hybrid Overtake Mode.
When Is the F1 25 2026 Season Pack Release Date?
The EA Sports F1 25: 2026 Season Pack will release on June 3, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Breaking from a 17-year tradition of annual standalone game releases, Codemasters is utilizing this comprehensive expansion to update the current live service platform.
According to the official EA Sports press release, this strategy marks the first time since 2009 that the studio has bypassed a standalone yearly entry, bringing an expansion to EA Sports F1 25 with the updated roster, liveries and circuits.
Codemasters Senior Creative Director Lee Mather confirmed that the package represents the most significant evolution of the sport in over a decade. The studio plans to return with a completely reimagined, next-generation F1 title in 2027.
New Teams and Driver Roster Changes
The 2026 grid expands officially to 11 teams with the arrival of two major automotive brands. Audi enters the sport by acquiring the Sauber squad, while Cadillac makes its high-profile debut as an all-new American manufacturer.
These team additions shake up the driver market with fully updated line-ups. Veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez headline the new Cadillac team, while standout prospect Gabriel Bortoleto joins forces with Nico Hülkenberg at Audi.
Additionally, grid rotations see Arvid Lindblad joining Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, while Isack Hadjar secures a seat next to Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. For players using the My Team mode, your custom franchise will serve as the 12th team on the grid.
Also learn more about EA confirmation of F1 2026 Season as an Expansion Pack for F1 25!
Master the New Madring Circuit in Madrid
The expansion marks the debut of Madring, a hybrid street and purpose-built track set against the backdrop of Madrid.
Spanning 5.4 kilometers (3.35 miles) and featuring a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners, it is the first brand-new circuit added to the franchise since 2023.
Virtual drivers will get to master this layout months before its real-world counterpart hosts the Spanish Grand Prix in September 2026. Note that due to specific track design parameters, the Madring circuit is exclusively restricted to the updated 2026 vehicle models within the game.
We are here. 😎 https://t.co/koE4cOiWQ6
— MADRING (@madring_oficial) May 20, 2026
How Do the 2026 Regulation Cars Handle?
The 2026 regulation cars handle with significantly increased agility and responsiveness, reflecting real-world engineering shifts toward lighter, more compact chassis designs.
Enhanced physics models provide greater tactile feedback through both gamepads and racing wheels, demanding higher precision from drivers navigating technical sectors.
To balance speed and grip corner by corner, players must utilize the active aerodynamics system, which allows manual adjustments to the front and rear wings during a race.
Strategy is further elevated by the new hybrid power units, featuring a near equal split between electric and combustion power.
This introduces an intense energy management element via the revised Overtake Mode, granting a massive strategic power boost of nearly 500 horsepower that requires exact tactical timing to deploy.
Expansion Pricing and Bundle Options
Electronic Arts has structured the content under separate pricing tiers depending on whether players already own the base game.
For existing owners on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the standalone Season Pack is priced at around €30, while PC players can purchase the expansion for around €25.
Newcomers can pick up the complete F1 25: 2026 Season Edition bundle, which includes the base game and the new expansion. This comprehensive edition retails for around €60 on consoles and under €50 for PC users via Steam, the Xbox Store, and the EA App.
Note: Prices and availability may change. Please check the widget below for real-time live prices.
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