F1 25: 2026 Season Pack review, the next best thing to F1 26

At a time when the real-life Formula One is undergoing a significant overhaul, with cars that are smaller, lighter, and more dependent on battery power, the franchise's video game equivalent, F1 25, has received an unexpected boost in the form of the 2026 Season Pack. For Codemasters, the developer behind the franchise, the decision to add this year's radically different Formula One cars to F1 25 via DLC instead of releasing a new game, F1 26, is a practical one. Given that the real-life Formula One is already three months into its own reset, with a new team, Cadillac, and a rebranded Sauber (Audi), incorporating these changes into the game would have been a daunting task.

Incorporating this year's changes into F1 25, rather than waiting for the next full iteration of the game, has allowed Codemasters to deliver a more timely update to fans. The decision to model the 2026 cars in such a short space of time is impressive, considering the cars only emerged in embryonic form in February this year. However, this approach has also highlighted the structural complexity of the F1 franchise, which is likely to be addressed in next year's reboot. The 2026 Season Pack feels like a stopgap measure, rather than a fully-fledged game, and this is reflected in its integration into F1 25.

In terms of the 2026 Season Pack's integration, things aren't entirely straightforward. Because the cars, teams, personnel, and tracks are different from last year's equivalents, players won't be able to dive into their old saves and instantly resume with this year's cars. Instead, Codemasters has taken the executive decision to treat the 2026 season pack as if it's a whole new game mode. This means that in the multi-season modes, players have to start again with new saves. When first clicking on the 2026 season pack, having downloaded it, players will be asked to choose between the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and if they choose the latter, they'll be starting from scratch. This approach may seem restrictive, but it's likely a necessary one to ensure that players can experience the game with the correct settings and cars.

The 2026 Season Pack highlights the structural complexity of the F1 franchise, which is reflected in its various game modes. The franchise has become increasingly convoluted in recent years, with multiple seasons, modes, and updates. This is likely to be addressed in next year's reboot, which promises to deliver a more streamlined experience. The 2026 Season Pack is a stopgap measure, a temporary solution to a more complex problem. While it's a welcome update to fans, it's also a reflection of the franchise's wider issues.

In the coming months, fans can expect the F1 franchise to continue to evolve, with the next reboot promising a more significant overhaul. The real-life Formula One is already undergoing a significant transformation, and it's likely that the game will follow suit. With the 2026 Season Pack serving as a temporary measure, fans can look forward to a more comprehensive update next year. As the franchise continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: the F1 game will continue to be a benchmark for racing games, and its influence will be felt across the industry.

The 2026 Season Pack is a necessary stopgap, a temporary measure that reflects the structural complexity of the F1 franchise. While it's a welcome update to fans, it's also a reminder of the franchise's wider issues. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans can expect a more significant overhaul in the coming months, with the next reboot promising a more streamlined experience.