What to Expect from Sim Racing in 2026

iRacing

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The preeminent competitive sim racing platform, iRacing, has fought off several potential competitors in recent months. In 2026, it will continue to do so, while also expanding its console game offerings.

Chiefly, iRacing Arcade - a cute and accessible spin-off - is set to arrive in February, and it will also preview two new tracks for the main simulations. Both Bahrain and Paul Ricard will be in the diminutive game first, before hitting the big sibling in laser-scanned glory later in the year.

It will also create a dedicated official IndyCar video game, and part of that development process will see updated tracks for iRacing, too. One new venue, for both the simulation and the game, will be St. Petersburg, and it has been confirmed for a March 2026 release as DLC for the sim. A new TCR car will also arrive soon, while work continues on updated HUD elements and enhanced graphics.

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Le Mans Ultimate

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Presently, the only sim racing title with serious upwards momentum is Le Mans Ultimate, really challenging iRacing’s hegemony.

This year will see a single-player career mode released, helping reach a wider audience and likely increasing player numbers further. A console version is also in development for PlayStation and Xbox owners.

However, in terms of content, only the Duqueine D09 LMP3 and Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya have been confirmed. But, considering just how many new or updated cars start racing this season, we expect many more…

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F1 26

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Intriguingly, there will not be a fresh EA SPORTS F1 26 game in a few months, breaking a 16-year streak. The reasoning is to provide the Codemasters development team more time to deliver a significantly updated release in 2027.

However, there will be new content for the existing F1 25 platform, supported by Mansell AI. This is significant for two main reasons.

First, it could set up a different business model, less about yearly releases, and instead, biannually with DLC in between.

Second, the 2026 cars will be drastically different, with more electrical power and a lack of DRS, so there will still need to be significant work for a DLC pack.

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Assetto Corsa EVO and Assetto Corsa Rally

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It has been confirmed that, apart from liveries, there will be no more significant updates for Assetto Corsa Competizione. This is partly why Le Mans Ultimate is gaining popularity, as ACC drivers switch across.

However, the Assetto Corsa franchise is set to flourish this year, with two titles in early access. We expect them to evolve rapidly, with EVO adding more cars, tracks, game modes and even a freeroam mode set in Germany imminently. It has also recently added ranked multiplayer racing, which should see an increase in both player count and overall engagement.

Then there is Rally, a dirt-themed spin-off. Again, it’s early days, but the driving experience is already extremely impressive.

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Elsewhere

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Other sim racing tiles have been flourishing recently, with Automotibilista 2 and RaceRoom releasing historic racing content to rose-tinted applause. In 2026, the former will add a career mode, while the latter will add a new user interface to capitalise on its ever-improving ranked multiplayer racing.

There was a lot of hype for Rennsport and Project Motor Racing towards the end of 2025, but sadly, neither delivered on their promise. This year, both teams will be working towards redemption, while the all-new Endurance Motor Sport series could be an interesting management-focused market entrant.

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Written by the teams at trophi.ai and Traxion.GG.