Codemasters' F1 series has been annualised for some time now, but the EA developer has today announced that it's essentially turning F1 26 into DLC - with the next franchise entry now landing in 2027 instead.
In a surprising move, EA and Codemasters have revealed that a paid expansion will come to F1 25 next year instead of a full-blown sequel. This will allow the teams involved some breathing room to create "a new and more expansive F1 experience" with F1 27 the year after.
"Following on from F1 25’s commercial and critical success - with praise from players, media, content creators, and F1 drivers alike - the team is building on the experience through a paid expansion. The premium content update will bring players closer to the sport’s major changes for 2026 that includes new cars, sporting regulations, teams, and drivers."
The post goes on to say that this decision is part of a "strategic reset for the F1 franchise", adding that the 2027 title "looks, feels, and plays differently, delivering more gameplay choices" for fans. Here's a bit more information on what the team is hoping to achieve with F1 27:
"Working in partnership with F1 and all eleven teams, the 2027 F1 game will deliver a refreshed experience that expands on what longtime players have loved from the franchise, whilst simultaneously celebrating the excitement of Formula 1 in new ways, immersing new and existing players in the modern era of the sport."
Details on next year's expansion are a little more scarce at the moment; we'd assume EA wanted to get this 2027 news out the door before fully detailing next year and its different approach. We expect to see this 2026 DLC in action closer to launch - F1 titles usually release in late spring / early summer, so sometime before then we reckon!