F1 25 is free to play on Steam from today, September 10, as EA opens a limited Free Weekend covering the 2026 Season Edition content. Xbox players received access slightly earlier, while progress made during the trial can be carried over if the full game is purchased afterwards.
The Steam Free Weekend begins on September 10 at 17:00 UTC / 19:00 CEST and runs until September 14 at 17:00 UTC / 19:00 CEST.
EA originally announced the promotion on September 7 as part of its wider September update for F1 25, giving players several days to try the latest version of the game without purchasing it first.
Xbox players have an extended window, with access having started on September 9 at 22:00 UTC and continuing until September 14 at 20:00 UTC.
What is included in the F1 25 Free Weekend?
The promotion gives players access to F1 25: 2026 Season Edition and the associated 2026 Season Pack content during the trial period.
That means newcomers can experience the current 2026 version of F1 25 rather than being limited to the game’s original launch specification.
The September update has recently expanded that content with F1 25 Update 1.25, adding the complete 2026 Formula 2 Championship, updated F1 car visuals and sponsor changes through the latest Sports Update, regulation-related adjustments and expanded hardware support. EA is also rolling out a collection of Special Edition liveries throughout September, giving eligible players additional designs for several teams.
This makes the Free Weekend a particularly useful opportunity for players who skipped F1 25 originally but want to see how the title has evolved with its 2026 content.
F1 25 Free Weekend dates and times
| Platform | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | September 10 – 17:00 UTC | September 14 – 17:00 UTC |
| Xbox Series X|S | September 9 – 22:00 UTC | September 14 – 20:00 UTC |
For players in Central Europe, the Steam trial therefore runs from 19:00 CEST on September 10 until 19:00 CEST on September 14.
Xbox access runs from 00:00 CEST on September 10 until 22:00 CEST on September 14.
EA currently lists the Free Weekend specifically for Steam and Xbox Series X|S.
Does F1 25 Free Weekend progress carry over?
Yes.
EA has confirmed that players who decide to purchase F1 25: 2026 Season Edition after using the Free Weekend will be able to carry their progress into the full game.
That makes the promotion more useful than a completely isolated demo, particularly for players who plan to begin career content or make meaningful progress during the limited access period.
Players can therefore use the Free Weekend to test the game before deciding whether to continue with the full 2026 Season Edition.
An internet connection and EA Account are required to participate, while console access may also depend on the relevant platform subscription and account configuration.
F1 25 Update 1.25 adds F2 2026 and more
The Free Weekend arrives shortly after one of F1 25’s most substantial recent updates.
F1 25 Update 1.25 adds the complete 2026 Formula 2 Championship alongside the latest Sports Update.
The update also introduces current visual and sponsor changes across the Formula 1 grid, regulation-related adjustments and additional hardware support.
For sim racers using dedicated equipment, Update 1.25 also expands compatibility with several SIMAGIC products and includes fixes affecting force feedback and certain wheelbase combinations.
That gives returning players more to test during the Free Weekend than the game offered at its original launch.
Special Edition liveries are also rolling out
EA is also distributing seven F1 25 Special Edition liveries across several September release dates.
The first group arrived on September 9 and includes designs for Racing Bulls, Audi and Cadillac. Additional Cadillac and McLaren liveries are scheduled for September 11, followed by Aston Martin and Racing Bulls designs on September 16.
The liveries form part of the wider 2026 Season Edition content cycle and give existing players another reason to return during September.
When does the F1 25 Free Weekend end?
The Steam Free Weekend ends on September 14 at 17:00 UTC / 19:00 CEST.
Xbox players receive a slightly longer window, with access continuing until September 14 at 20:00 UTC / 22:00 CEST.
Once the Free Weekend ends, continued access requires purchasing F1 25.
For players who have not tried the game recently, the promotion provides a convenient opportunity to test the current 2026 version, explore the latest F2 content and evaluate the September updates before committing to the full release.
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