Here's an unexpected twist: Frontier Developments is now making F1 management games.

The Cambridge-based developer of Elite: Dangerous, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution has signed a multi-year exclusive game licence with Formula 1.

Four F1 games are planned, with the first launching in time for the 2022 F1 season on PC and consoles. Three F1 games will follow through to 2025, subject to the achievement of certain financial performance thresholds.

Frontier has signed five publishing deals in total, although it has yet to announce any of the others. Two major licenced IP multi-platform releases are set for 2022, the company said.

Here's a quote from Frontier boss David Braben:

"We are delighted to announce this multi-year licence deal with F1. F1 is one of the most popular global sporting franchises in the world, and we believe the combination of the F1 brand together with our extensive experience in management games will deliver fantastic game experiences to a wide and varied audience around the world.

"We have achieved great success with our own IP and are proven development and publishing partners for the highest profile third party IP. Both original and licensed IP will continue to be important as we grow and nurture our portfolio."