For the first time since way back in 2009, there is no new Codemasters Formula 1 game this year. However, the current season is still represented via the 2026 Season Pack. Released earlier this month, the paid DLC adds this year’s teams, drivers and regulation changes to F1 25 in favour of a standalone sequel before the series returns with a “reimagined” game next year. “The sport is always evolving. It’s always reaching new audiences, and we continue to do the same with our franchise,” Senior Game Designer Steven Embling explained to Traxion on why this year was the right time to take a temporary break from annual sequels. “We looked at the priorities for this particular year and thought ‘where could we add the most amount of value?’” Developing F1’s huge regulation change One “key aspect” that led to this decision, according to Embling, was the new regulation changes. This year’s season introduced a significant rule shakeup, with cars that are smaller, lighter and have an almost 50:50 split between combustion and electric power. Implementing these major changes into the F1 game was not an easy endeavour. However, Embling saw this challenge as an “exciting opportunity.” “It’s a huge regulation update – probably the biggest one we’ve seen since 2014,” he said. “There have been some big ones in 2017 and 2022. But I think these are probably the most significant ones.” Replacing DRS, the new cars boast new Active Aero systems that adjust the front and rear wing. This can be activated in designated zones to increase the top speed on straights or optimise the downforce on corners. “We needed to make sure the front and rear wings were both moving visually and had the correct physics effect,” said Embling. “There are more zones for straight mode than