Rennsport’s first 2026 update adds Endurance Classics DLC, improves AI

Rennsport’s first update of 2026 introduces a raft of improvements to the trouble racing simulation.

After months of uncertainty and delays, Rennsport’s first update of 2026 has finally landed. Out now on PC and consoles, the update brings a raft of improvements to the troubled racing simulator, alongside new paid and free content.

Headlining the update is the release of the Endurance Classics DLC Part 1. Available for £12.79 on Steam and £11.99 on PS5 and Xbox, the first paid DLC adds several historic Group C prototypes and GT1 cars, including the Le Mans-winning 1998 Porsche 911 GT1, Mercedes-Benz CLK LM, Porsche 956 and Peugeot 9X8 Evo.  

These can be raced on a laser-scanned version of the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, also included in the DLC.

Alongside the paid DLC, the update adds a host of free content, including the Kuala Lumpur Street Circuit, additional layouts for Fuji and Monza, the Road Atlanta Short circuit, the Nürburgring Fast Chicane, Daytona Tri-Oval and 8ETA Oval, as well as the Hyundai N Vision 74.

Elsewhere, the update introduces the first wave of Rennsport’s rebuilt AI architecture. Previously, the erratic behaviour of AI opponents was one of the game’s most glaring issues. According to the developer, the new AI has been “fundamentally re-engineered” so that opponents “understand space, aggression and the physical consequences of a collision.”

“The last time we released an AI, it probably shouldn’t ever have seen the world,” Lead Gameplay Programmer, Rikard Häggström, previously told Traxion.

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“It had to sort of come together in a fairly short period of time. It is more or less a prototype, I would say. When you do that, you sort of easily end up in a situation where you make decisions on the way that maybe aren’t perfect for sustainability. We’re now in a position where we have to rewrite it for it to work.”

Further improving the single-player experience is an updated Championship mode, which now groups events into playlists rather than locking them into rookie and pro tiers. A new score system provides a clearer sense of progression, and rankings can be compared in new global leaderboards.    

On the multiplayer side, a new Custom Contests mode lets you create custom online events. Additionally, track limits have been tweaked, while new lens flare effects and added contrast give the visuals a more “cinematic” look.

To entice new players, Deluxe Edition is on sale with a 45% discount, with the Standard Edition receiving a 50% discount soon after.

Rennsport’s first major update of 2026 arrives after a turbulent period for the racing simulation. The update was originally slated for March, but was delayed several months after its developer, Competition Company, parted ways with Nacon to become self-published.

Competition Company aims to double Rennsport’s content, with more free updates and DLC expected throughout the year.

Endurnace Classics Part 1 content

• Porsche 911 GT1 ’98 
• Mercedes-Benz CLK LM
• Porsche 956
• Peugeot 9X8 Evo
• Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (La Sarthe)

Rennsport Update 1.2.4 patch notes

Free Content

• New Track: Kuala Lumpur Street Circuit (Community Content)
• New Layouts: Additional configurations for Fuji and Monza, the Road Atlanta Short circuit, the Nürburgring Fast Chicane, Daytona Tri-Oval and 8ETA Oval.
• The Hyundai N Vision 74: A futuristic, high-torque powerhouse joins the active roster.
• Fresh Liveries: Over 20 official looks for the Porsche 911 GT3 R rennsport, BMW M2 CSR, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, and others, available in the store at zero cost.

New AI overhaul

Operational Context and Known Issues

This system is a “First Iteration.” We are currently tracking several specific behaviours that will be addressed in upcoming patches: 

• Acceleration at the Start: The AI currently prioritises safety over raw aggression off the line. You may notice they do not accelerate with full force initially to ensure a clean start for the field.
• Wobbling and Pathing: Under certain car and track combinations, opponents may display a “wobbling” effect as they calculate the optimal racing line.
• Positional Braking: On high-speed sections like Eau Rouge at Spa or the high banks of Daytona, the AI may occasionally slow down or lift “unreasonably” as it works to avoid collisions.
• Track Limit Excursions: There are instances where the AI may leave the track limits unexpectedly while defending or navigating heavy traffic.
• The GT3 Standard: This system is primary-tested for GT3 machinery. Performance in other classes will vary as we continue to calibrate their unique physics.
• Simulation Frequency: AI performance is tied to your framerate. For the most consistent intelligence, we recommend maintaining a stable 60+ FPS.

Updated Championship Mode

Our single-player progression has been improved to give you a clearer sense of achievement. The updated Championship Mode has been improved over in the following ways:

• Introducing Playlists: Instead of being locked into “Rookie” or “Pro” tiers, Championships are now grouped into  Playlists, allowing you to dive into the content you love most.
• Championship Score: We’ve traded Medals for a new Score system, giving you a more granular way to track your performance.
• Global Leaderboards: See where you stand against the world’s best with newly added leaderboards for all Championships.

Custom Contests

For our multiplayer fans, we are handing you the keys to the circuit. This has been a highly requested feature, and we’re adding it into this update. Custom Contests allow you to create your own online events with total control.

• Total Customization: Set your own rating limits, car restrictions, track selections, and timelines.
• Community Focused: Perfect for leagues or friends who want to race under specific conditions.

This gives you a solid system to set up your own multiplayer leagues, which automates a lot of the tasks for you.  

Competition Standards

We heard your feedback! Track limits across all circuits have been tuned to be more consistent.

• Community-Driven: Adjustments were made based on where you felt the “line” should be.
• Consistency is Key: You can now push the car to the limit with a clearer understanding of where the penalties begin.

H-Pattern & Sequential Shifting

For the purists who love the mechanical feel of a gear shift, this update is for you. We have officially added support for H-Pattern and Sequential hardware shifters. Whether you’re rowing through gears in a classic or clicking through a modern box, the car will now respond to your physical hardware.

Visual overhaul

• Stunning Skies: Experience more vibrant sunsets, improved cloud formations, and better lighting transitions.
• Cinematic Polish: We’ve added lens flares and increased contrast for a “big-screen” feel.
• Realistic Details: Grass and gravel now have more physically accurate colors, and we’ve boosted headlight strength to help you navigate those darker, high-contrast nights.

Under the Hood: Fixes & Stability

We have squashed hundreds of bugs to make your experience smoother. Here are the highlights:

• Stability: Fixed various crashes to keep you on the track and out of the menus.
• Gameplay: Added Tire Wear Equalization to reduce the long-term impact of flat spots. We also fixed a “lag” issue where crossing the finish line sometimes wouldn’t count your lap.
• User Interface: A massive cleanup of the menus! Icons are now sharper, navigation is more intuitive on controllers, and the MFD (Multi-Function Display) is clearer during races.
• Hardware: Improved support for Logitech and Revosim hardware, and added deeper vibration functions for a more tactile driving feel.
• Audio & Lighting: Fixed “ghost” car sounds in qualifying and corrected lighting issues on Daytona and the Nürburgring.

08 // Technical Changelog

Stability & Performance

• Client Architecture: Resolved several critical exceptions causing unexpecteddesktop crashes during active racing sessions.
• Initialisation: Addressed a fatal initialization error where the software would hang or crash if a user prematurely terminated the First Time User Experience (FTUE) setup.

Gameplay & Physics

• Tire Dynamics: Implemented a refined tire wear equalisation algorithm to simulate the gradual smoothing of flat spots over time, reducing physical vibration and restoring predictable grip levels as a stint progresses.
• Transition Logic: Eliminated an erroneous penalty trigger that occurred during the immediate transition between race stages.
• Network Synchronisation: Corrected a race-logic bug where high-latency connection spikes across the start/finish line resulted in unregistered laps.
• Vehicle Physics: Rectified an issue where incorrect ride height parameters were applied to vehicles within the showroom and garage environments.
• Session Persistence: Addressed a tracking bug where event standings and multiplayer leaderboards failed to update reliably post-session.

AI Systems

• Pathing & Navigation: Corrected a behavioral flaw where AI drivers would cut or skip multiple corners in the absence of defensive pressure or external circuit interference.
• Behavioral Overhaul: Executed a comprehensive architectural rewrite to improve competitive positioning, defensive lines, and overall spatial awareness across all grid sizes.

User Interface (UI)

• Data Integrity: Restored missing RENNSPORT Ratings within official contest lobbies and ensured Safety Ratings are fully visible on player cards and user widgets.
• Navigation Logic:
  • Resolved a soft-lock occurring when navigating to session information within the Quick Play interface.
  • Fixed directional input failures on the pit screen that prevented returning to the “Go on Track” state after accessing the drivers table.
  • Corrected a menu restriction in the First Time User Experience (FTUE) setup that blocked users from reaching the “Complete Setup” option without using shoulder buttons (LB/RB).
  • Resolved an issue where menu navigation focus would unexpectedly shift or disappear entirely while interacting with the Replay user interface.
  • Fixed directional input failures when attempting to navigate the leaderboard after applying custom filters on the stage results screen.
• Visual Assets:
  • Updated GT3X class icons and manufacturer logos to ensure sharp rendering, correct contrast, and appropriate scaling without pixelation.
  • Corrected squashed track maps and distorted national flags within the circuit selection menus.
  • Resolved a texture clipping issue where the tires of the Porsche Mission R would clip through the floor surface of the garage.
  • Rectified visual inconsistencies on the Pre-Rank screen where graphic elements failed to align with the accompanying text.
  • Corrected a layout bug where the PlayStation 5 icon displayed an incorrect solid white background within online lobbies.
  • Fixed a rendering bug where the thumbnail image for the BMW M Hybrid V8 incorrectly reverted to the default livery in Time Trial mode after exiting a replay.
• Session Management:
  • Adjusted the ‘Cars in Reverse Order’ configuration cap to the intended limit of 12 (previously accessible up to 24).
  • Optimised matchmaking lobby visibility to prevent active races in progress from overwhelming the primary page of the server browser, ensuring available open sessions remain discoverable.
• Purchasing & Terminology:
  • Updated interface text to replace the “Skip” prompt with “Next” where contextually appropriate.
  • Enabled the “Buy Livery” functionality for players with zero currency balances, properly redirecting them to the currency store interface instead of locking the selection.
  • Clarified the description for free store liveries to state they are available for purchase at a cost of zero.

Hardware & Control Input

• Calibration & Setup:
  • Refined the Wheel Setup Wizard to allow for full-lock steering rotation, ensuring accurate steering-angle calibration.
  • Resolved a control lock on the Quick Setup interface that prevented steering wheel face buttons from navigating menus correctly.
  • Fixed an input restriction where preferred Steering Device selection fields were locked against user modification.
• Input Mapping:
  • Enabled touchpad swipe gestures for TC (Traction Control) and ABS adjustments.
  • Unlocked previously restricted keybindings for keyboards and controllers within the interface configuration menu.
  • Corrected a connection conflict where PlayStation 5 gamepads were not correctly initialised on PC platforms.
  • Addressed an issue where external headset buttons were incorrectly registered as active in-game control inputs.
  • Implemented input validation safeguards to prevent multiple Multi-Function Display (MFD) controls from being bound to the identical button configuration.
  • Corrected localized PlayStation 5 terminology references for the controller touchpad following FTUE interactions.
• Safety & Control Logic:
  • Updated default controller layouts to prevent accidental ignition deactivation or unintended engine cut-offs during high-intensity driving.
  • Resolved an ignition logic failure where the “Off” state became unavailable and prevented subsequent engine starts after restarting a stage.
  • Fixed a control overlap from the FTUE setup where triggers (RT/LT) maintained dual analog and standard functionality unexpectedly after switching profiles.
  • Resolved a binding conflict where standard gamepad interface configurations blocked dedicated spectator control inputs.
  • Restored the ability to pause the simulation during the pre-race countdown phase.

Audio & Lighting

• Environmental SFX: Restored missing audio cues and structural sound effects within the Pause Menu interface.
• Spatial Audio: Eliminated “ghost” engine audio tracking from invisible opponents during active qualifying sessions.
• Global Illumination: Repaired broken lighting actors and environmental illumination parameters on Daytona and all Nürburgring configurations (GP and 24H).
• Atmospheric Simulation: Recalibrated night sky shaders and luminosity levels to ensure accurate rendering of celestial darkness.

HUD & Visual Feedback

• Telemetry & Alerts:
  • Fixed a telemetry bug where electric vehicles (EV) incorrectly displayed fuel levels instead of remaining battery capacity.
  • Restored the functional Low Fuel warning alert trigger to the driver display.
• Multi-Function Display (MFD):
  • Rectified truncated third-sector times and addressed an issue where Sector 1 timings would persist after a session restart in Time Trial mode.
  • Corrected a layout bug that caused sector times to offset incorrectly on the MFD while driving the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
  • Standardised gamepad bindings and peripheral icons to prevent legacy layout overlaps and misalignments within the interface layout.
  • Corrected an interface bug where secondary tab navigation prompts defaulted to raw controller icons.
• Minimap Scaling: Optimised the zoom levels and tracking behavior for large-scale circuits, ensuring better tactical awareness on extensive tracks.
• Penalty Visualisation:
  • Re-enabled the missing HUD widget for slow-down penalties, ensuring penalties are no longer applied silently to the driver.
  • Corrected the formatting of the penalty widget to resolve an overextended highlighter effect.
  • Fixed a logic error where a lap cancellation penalty notification continued to display on a lap that was already invalidated.
• Layout Persistence:
  • Resolved an issue where customized HUD layouts failed to save upon returning to the main menu, including a specific fix for data saving on the PlayStation 5 platform.
  • Corrected a camera rendering bug where rearview mirrors and “behind” camera previews displayed incorrectly within the Pause Menu.
  • Fixed a visual error where track layout images appeared stretched or distorted within the Leaderboards and Track Bests menus.

Online & Multiplayer

• Connectivity: Patched a ‘Lost connection to server’ error triggered during the Quick Play matchmaking handshake phase.
• Persistence: Resolved a backend communication failure that prevented the reliable application of custom stickers and vehicle liveries.
• Matchmaking & Lobbies:
  • Addressed a Quick Play bug where a solo driver could initiate and enter an isolated gameplay session alone.
  • Resolved an infinite loading screen encounter affecting secondary players (P2) when the host (P1) launched a Quick Session immediately following matchmaking initialization.
  • Corrected an interface issue within official contest lobbies where the Multi-Class slide animation would reset prematurely before listing all participating vehicle categories.
  • Enabled the ‘Rejoin Contest’ function specifically for Custom Contests to improve session recovery.
• Quick Session Adjustments:
  • Fixed a critical interface bug where the “Go On Track” button remained unselectable when launching a Quick Session utilizing the BMW M Hybrid V8 with the Purple Mist livery.
  • Resolved an issue where AI drivers failed to populate the field despite a multi-car grid configuration being explicitly selected.
  • Restored the missing option to manually restart the current stage within Quick Session mode.
• Time Trial Overhauls: Resolved a profile caching error where an opponent’s personal best lap time was erroneously displayed as the player’s own upon restarting a Time Trial session in the BMW M2 CS Racing.

Replays & Spectator Mode

• Camera Controls:
  • Eliminated redundant and overlapping button mappings when using Free Camera mode during session playbacks.
  • Fixed a logic bug where Free Camera mode was incorrectly forced open during transitions between Practice, Qualifying, and Race states.
  • Corrected timeline navigation behavior so that selecting the next sequential event no longer forces menu focus onto the Spectator Menu widget.
• Spectator Infrastructure:
  • Stabilised the Live Replay timeline to prevent it from freezing 10 to 20 seconds after a spectator joins an active session.
  • Restored full functionality to spectator visibility toggles and keybindings.
  • Corrected an issue where the lower user interface overlay bar in Spectator Mode could not be hidden by the user.
  • Implemented a dedicated, functional “Live” button within the Spectator interface to allow users to instantly synchronise to the real-time point of the race.
  • Eliminated severe multiplayer “rubberbanding” visual artifacts when spectating drivers immediately following the conclusion of a race.
  • Addressed a bug where the spectate option would disappear entirely from the final race results screen.

System Settings

• Profile Savings:
  • Resolved a configuration bug that prevented users from saving their custom Anti-Aliasing selections.
  • Fixed a UI state error where the livery selection menu’s filter option failed to execute correctly.
• Restoration Defaults:
  • Restored missing ‘Reset to Defaults’ functionality within the Session Settings menus for Gameplay, Drivers, and Cars configurations.
  • Re-enabled the ‘Restore to Default Settings’ feature specifically within the ‘Edit Gameplay Cameras’ interface.
  • Added a global, dedicated option for console players to instantly revert all custom control bindings back to default factory layouts.

Hardware SDKs & Haptics

• Logitech Integration: Updated the implementation to PS5 SDK version 2.2.10 to guarantee peripheral compatibility and structural input stability.
• Revosim Support: Initialisation and communication architecture upgraded to SDK version 1.00.07.

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