F1 26 game cancelled: EA explains why the next full release arrives in 2027. EA confirms that no full F1 26 video game will be released.

For the first time ever, EA has confirmed that it will not release a new Formula 1 video game for the 2026 season. This unexpected decision marks a major shift for the franchise, and many fans were left disappointed after the company announced that the next full edition will skip directly to 2027.

In its official statement, EA explained that the development team is focusing on delivering “a deeply authentic and innovative representation of the action and excitement of Formula 1, reinvented into a broader experience with new ways to play for fans around the world.” Despite the cancelled annual release, the publisher reassured players that not all 2026 updates will be left out of the virtual world.

Although a fully new edition of the game is no longer planned for next year, 2026 content will still become available — but only as a DLC for those who already own F1 25. This means players will receive an expansion that integrates into this year’s game. It is a small relief for fans eager to try the new teams and driver line-ups that will appear on the real 2026 grid, even though the update will be limited in scope.

The announcement from EA and Codemasters

According to EA, the DLC will include only team and driver updates. The 2025 calendar will remain unchanged, meaning the new Madrid circuit will not be added to the game. Codemasters’ senior creative director, Lee Mather, commented on the decision by stating that “considering the momentum of Formula 1 both on and off the track, this is the perfect moment to look ahead and build for the future.”

He also highlighted that “over a third of fans have joined the sport in the last four years,” adding that the refreshed experience planned for 2027 aims to expand what players love about the franchise while celebrating global passion for Formula 1 through a more ambitious game.

In summary, players will have to wait until 2027 for the next complete edition of the F1 video game series. However, the main updates linked to the 2026 season will still arrive, packaged as paid downloadable content for F1 25.