For a moment, it looked like fans of the F1 game series could breathe a little easier.
This week, reports circulated that EA had exercised a two-year extension on its official Formula 1 game license, locking the publisher in through the end of the 2027 season. That announcement, however, has since been retracted.
Insider Gaming, the outlet that first reported the extension, has updated its story to reflect that no formal confirmation was ever given. According to EA, the mention of a license extension was made in error—and as of now, there is no official word on what happens after F1 25.
That leaves a lot of uncertainty. EA and Codemasters have held the license since 2020, and while the series has gone through its share of ups and downs, it remains one of the most polished yearly sports games out there. From F1 2020’s fan-favorite handling model to F1 25’s recent breakthrough in physics and tire behavior, there’s been a clear evolution—even if it hasn’t always been smooth.
This walk-back introduces a bit of turbulence.
Without confirmation of an extension, it’s unclear whether EA will continue to hold onto the license beyond next year, or if F1 is exploring other partners. For fans and competitive players, that uncertainty is frustrating. Annual games thrive on long-term planning, and without clarity on who’s behind the wheel, it’s hard to say where the franchise is heading.
It’s possible this is just a paperwork delay, that the extension is happening, but hasn’t been signed off publicly yet. But it’s also possible that Formula 1 is keeping its options open, especially with the WRC license recently moving to NACON and Kylotonn for 2027 onward.
For now, there’s no need to panic. F1 25 is still fresh, and by most accounts, a step in the right direction. But after 2025? The road ahead isn’t as clearly mapped as we thought.
We’ll keep an eye on any further announcements. If a new licensing deal is struck, or if the franchise heads in a new direction you’ll hear about it here on Brake Trace.