The world of Formula One gaming has taken an unexpected turn with the release of the F1 25 2026 Season Pack. Instead of a full-fledged new game, this expansion pack brings the 2026 season to life, complete with new cars, the Madring circuit and updated regulations. Priced at a modest £25, it offers a more affordable way to get behind the wheel of the latest machinery, but is it enough to satisfy fans?
This year marks a significant shift in Formula One car design regulations, making the timing of this expansion pack particularly interesting. The new spec cars are recreated with meticulous detail, and unless you opt for the nannying assists, you’ll be challenged by features like straight-line aerodynamic modebattery deploymentovertake mode and super-clipping. It’s a bit like trying to solve a complex puzzle while riding a rollercoaster.
The New Cars and Their Complexities
The 2026 Formula One cars feature a 50/50 split in power between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K). This increased reliance on electrical power makes energy harvesting more crucial than ever. The game accurately mimics the mental gymnastics required to stay on pace, with techniques like lift and coast (LiCO) being essential for topping up the battery.
The new cars also feel more reactive, thanks to a 30 kg drop in mass from the previous year. This greater stability in traction zones requires progressive throttle application to prevent spins. The engine audio remains similar to the 2026-spec machines, retaining the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 sound.
New Systems and Their Impact
The F1 25 2026 Season Pack introduces several new systems that reflect the real-world changes in Formula One. Overtake Mode allows drivers to harvest and deploy an extra 0.5 megajoules of energy per lap when within one second of the car ahead. This feature makes a significant difference in lap time and is crucial for overtaking maneuvers.
Active Aero replaces the outgoing DRS system, offering two phases: Cornering Mode and Straight Mode. Cornering Mode provides the highest levels of aerodynamic drag and grip, while Straight Mode increases top speed by shifting the wings into low-drag positions. The animations look spot-on in-game, and the system affects your LiCO strategy, requiring careful planning.
Super-clipping is another new feature that mirrors the phenomenon of a car harvesting energy at full throttle. While it was a source of controversy in the real season, the game accurately models its impact on racing dynamics.
The Madring Circuit and Game Modes
The expansion pack also introduces the Madring circuit a rollercoaster track with blind corners, a tight uphill chicane, and a truly outrageous NASCAR-style banked turn. This track adds a new dimension to the racing experience, offering a thrilling challenge for players.
However, the expansion pack approach brings some limitations. The 2026 cars are only playable in certain modes, such as Driver Career and unranked multiplayer. They cannot be used in ranked multiplayer, co-op career mode, or F1 World Series. This is likely due to licensing constraints, but it’s a disappointment nonetheless.
The appeal of the F1 25 2026 Season Pack really depends on whether you previously bought last year’s game. If you did, it’s well worth the price of admission to line up on the newly bolstered 11 team grid in a car that will be a genuine challenge to learn. If not, you’ll be paying £50 for the bundled version and likely wondering why half the content can only be played with out-of-date cars.
While it has its limitations, it provides a more affordable entry point to the latest machinery and regulations. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your existing setup and enthusiasm for the sport.
