EA Sports has decided to strengthen the presence of its official Formula 1 simulator just as the new championship season begins. Coinciding with the start of the championship at the Australian Grand Prix, the studio announced that F1 25 is now part of the EA Play catalog, allowing subscribers to access the full game at no additional cost.
The move comes at a strategic moment for the franchise, as the developer is also preparing a major expansion focused on the 2026 season, which will replace the traditional release of a brand-new annual title.
F1 25 Now Available for EA Play and Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers
With its addition to EA Play, players subscribed to the service can download and play F1 25 in its entirety. In addition to full access to the game, users receive a temporary 5,000 experience points (XP) bonus available until March 31, designed to speed up progression within the game.
This inclusion also benefits Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users, since the plan integrates EA Play within its catalog. In practice, this significantly expands the potential player base of the simulator across Xbox consoles and PC.
The strategy is common within the Electronic Arts ecosystem, as the publisher often adds its sports releases to EA Play several months after their commercial debut to revitalize online activity and attract new players.
EA Preparing a Paid Expansion Focused on the 2026 Season
Beyond its addition to the subscription service, the future of F1 25 will revolve around a paid expansion based on the 2026 season. This additional content is expected to arrive sometime this year and will represent a significant shift in the franchise’s strategy.
It will mark the first time since 2009—when Codemasters took over development of the official Formula 1 games—that the series will not receive a completely new installment within the annual release cycle.
The decision is largely tied to the new technical regulations introduced in Formula 1 for the 2026 season, which involve major changes to the design and behavior of the cars. Adapting these vehicles for the game requires more than simply updating 3D models or liveries; it also means revising physics systems, aerodynamic balance, and the way the cars must be driven within the simulator.
For now, EA Sports has not confirmed a release date for the expansion, although the company says it will share more details about the content and features included in the update soon.
Season 6 Introduces New Scenarios and Rewards
While more information about the expansion is expected, the game continues to receive content through its seasonal model. EA Sports has launched Season 6, a content update that will run until June 3.
One of the key additions is a refreshed Podium Pass, the game’s progression system similar to a battle pass, which includes rewards in both its free and VIP tiers.
Players will be able to unlock several new cosmetic items, including:
- A new set of additional liveries
- A Sponsor Livery Set
- Various visual customization rewards
In addition, Sponsor Liveries can now also be used in the My Team Career mode, expanding customization options for players managing their own team.
New Scenarios Based on Real 2025 Season Events
Season 6 also introduces three new race scenarios inspired by real events from the 2025 Formula 1 season.
One of the highlighted challenges focuses on Alex Albon during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. In this scenario, players must attempt to bring the driver to a podium finish.
These challenges offer exclusive rewards such as:
- The Williams “Forward Together” United States Grand Prix livery
- The XER 2 set, which includes a livery, suit, and gloves
These types of events aim to recreate real championship moments to add variety to the career mode and provide additional objectives for the community.
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