EA Sports has surprisingly announced that it will not be releasing a new F1 game in 2026. Since acquiring Codemasters in 2021, EA has consistently launched official F1 titles annually, continuing a tradition started in 2009. However, in an unexpected move revealed Tuesday night, EA decided to skip a 2026 release. Instead of a full game featuring the major technical regulation changes set for 2026, fans will only see these updates through paid DLC.
EA plans to dedicate its resources fully to the next installment, F1 27, due in 2027. This upcoming game promises to deliver a highly authentic and innovative F1 experience with expanded gameplay options designed for fans worldwide. Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at EA Sports, emphasized the success of F1 25 and expressed the company’s commitment to growing the franchise and enhancing excitement with expansions in 2026 and a reimagined F1 experience in 2027.
While this strategy makes sense for long-term development, it risks alienating fans who have criticized annual releases for bugs and gameplay decisions that remain unaddressed. F1 24 faced backlash for its handling and limited modes, and although F1 25 improved on some areas, core issues like the unrealistic driving techniques caused by missing slipstream effects persist. The success of the 2026 DLC will largely depend on whether EA implements significant updates to reflect the new regulations or merely offers cosmetic changes, potentially risking further player loss. Overall, this move intensifies pressure on EA to deliver a fully polished F1 game, a feat they have struggled with since 2020.
Fan Take: This announcement is a pivotal moment for racing fans, underscoring the demand for better, more immersive racing simulations. If EA can rise to the challenge with F1 27, it could significantly elevate the sport’s gaming experience and deepen engagement for fans worldwide.
