Lewis Hamilton headlines F1 2026 game cover alongside Bottas and Bortoleto

Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as the lead cover star for EA Sports' F1 2026 season pack update, joining Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto on the artwork. The update, which will be released as a download for the existing F1 25 game, also showcases the new Madring circuit set to host the Spanish Grand Prix in September.

Why it matters:

This is not a standalone game release – EA Sports opted to skip a full 2026 title in favor of developing a brand-new game for 2027. The season pack reflects the sport's rapid evolution, with newcomers Audi and Cadillac making their digital debuts alongside a brand-new track in Madrid.

The details:

• Cover stars: Hamilton appears for the fourth consecutive year, alongside Bottas (Cadillac) and Bortoleto (Audi). The trio are shown on the grid at the Madring circuit.
• New content: The update adds the Audi and Cadillac teams, the Madrid circuit, and likely updated driver line-ups, car liveries and regulations.
• Madring highlight: The 5.4km track features a signature 500-metre banked right-hander called 'La Monumental'. Williams driver and circuit ambassador Carlos Sainz recently completed his first lap there.
• Background: EA Sports acquired the F1 game rights through its $1.2 billion purchase of Codemasters in 2021. The last standalone game was F1 25, released in 2025.

What's next:

The 2026 season pack is expected to launch later this summer. Meanwhile, the real F1 season resumes this weekend with the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.