2026 Season 1 Patch 1 focuses on fixes and simulator updates
The official release notes detail interface, graphics, audio, controls, vehicle and track changes.
iRacing has released the 2026 Season 1 Patch 1, a simulator update containing fixes and adjustments for the 2026 Season 1 release.
According to the official iRacing release notes published through iRacing’s Steam News channel on December 15, 2025, the patch affects AI racing, the user interface, graphics, audio, controls, cars and tracks.
Interface and simulator fixes
AI drivers have improved racing skills with the NASCAR Truck Series and Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance. For players using virtual reality, the update fixes a critical issue that could make the interface appear blurry.
The patch also addresses blank dropdown selections in the Options menu, incorrect FOV saving, widget opacity problems and overlapping license data in the large Relative Standalone Widget. Several issues affecting the Standings and Relative Standalone Widgets have also been fixed. Horizontal scrolling should no longer occur when the interface scale is above 100%.
The notes identify a remaining known issue in replays: extra driver names may appear in the Entries table or Driver Focus selection after being carried over from Open Practices to races in official sessions. iRacing states that the issue is still under investigation and has no impact on scores or results; it is described as a visual artifact only.
Graphics, audio and controls
Graphics changes improve tree draw distances at a variety of tracks and fix a simulator crash or hang related to rendering when switching between session types. Bridges at Adelaide Street Circuit and Mount Panorama Circuit now correctly block rainfall beneath them.
The audio updates add an option to mute certain categories at minimal volume. Engines, tires, chassis and wind, and in-car audio are excluded from that feature. The patch also updates volume slider descriptions, restores hidden audio controls and fixes issues affecting the Spotter, Voice Chat and Master Level displays.
Xbox gamepad handling has been improved. Thumb triggers should now remain separated when the controller is connected through Bluetooth. For gamers, these changes target visibility, control behavior and session stability rather than adding a new racing mode.
Car and track adjustments
The release notes list updated iRacing setups for the Super Formula SF23, Dallara IR18, Indy Pro 2000 PM-18 and SRX. The Dallara IR18 also receives keyboard bindings for hybrid regeneration and deployment levels.
The Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) receives rewritten launch RPM limiter logic. The system arms while the car is stationary, remains active for up to 10 seconds after the car begins moving or until second gear is selected, and can arm again after a pit stop or another stop. The update also removes a harsh high-pitch sound artifact and updates parts of the paint template.
Other vehicle changes include revised damage repair priority for all Dirt Sprint Cars and a correction to the FIA Cross Car number slant. At Adelaide, slowdown penalty zones and a brake marker were adjusted, while Lucas Oil Speedway received camera adjustments. Mount Panorama received terrain, texture and object-placement fixes.
Newsroom
For competitive drivers, tournament organizers and streamers, the confirmed changes may improve the clarity of broadcasts and replays, controller behavior, session stability and consistency around selected cars and circuits. Those are practical implications of the listed fixes, not claims of independent testing. The full update is documented in the official iRacing Steam News release notes.
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2026 Season 1 Patch 1
Official source iRacing — Steam News · 15/12/2025 14:47
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