F1 25 gears up for 2026: hamilton, bottas, and new teams join the grid
Electronic Arts is poised to inject a fresh dose of realism into its F1 franchise, confirming details for the 2026 Season Pack update for F1 25. A reveal trailer drops this Wednesday, May 20th, at 4pm UK time, promising a glimpse into the significant changes hitting the virtual racetrack next year.
New faces, new teams, new challenges
The update will feature a trio of high-profile drivers gracing the cover: seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, former F3 and F2 standout Gabriel Bortoleto, and veteran Valtteri Bottas, whose impressive ten Grand Prix victories are almost overshadowed by his legendary mustache – a true testament to motorsport swagger. Bortoleto and Bottas’ inclusion isn’t mere coincidence; they represent Audi and Cadillac, respectively, the two new manufacturers joining the Formula One grid in 2026. This marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape, and EA’s commitment to reflecting it accurately is noteworthy.
The decision to deliver the 2026 season changes as a paid expansion for F1 25, rather than a standalone release, was announced late last year. While this approach might disappoint some hoping for a full title refresh, it allows EA to integrate the substantial changes – new cars, drivers, and regulations – seamlessly into the existing framework. But the question remains: how will these new cars handle? The current generation of F1 machines has drawn considerable criticism from drivers themselves.
Fernando Alonso, the two-time champion, has famously dubbed the current era a “battery world championship,” a pointed remark about the dominance of hybrid technology. Lando Norris, the 2025 champion, has been even more blunt, lamenting the transition from “the best cars ever made in Formula 1 and the nicest to drive” to what he considers a significant decline. Even Max Verstappen, the four-time champion, has admitted to seeking refuge in his Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart, a humorous admission of frustration with the complexities of modern F1. The handling characteristics of the 2026 cars, therefore, will be under intense scrutiny.
Looking ahead, the next full installment in the F1 series is slated for 2027, and EA promises a “reimagined” experience with expanded gameplay options. IGN’s review of F1 25, while acknowledging its strengths – it’s “comfortably the strongest the series has been since the beloved F1 2020” – also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly the game’s focus on cosmetic customization over classic F1 content. Luke Reilly, Senior Editor at IGN, noted this imbalance, suggesting a need for a greater emphasis on the sport’s rich history.
The arrival of Audi and Cadillac, coupled with the drivers’ vocal concerns about the current car design, sets the stage for a fascinating 2026 season. Whether EA can deliver a compelling simulation that captures both the technical innovation and the raw driving experience remains to be seen, but the initial signs are promising.