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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to reference the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the largest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced features of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is less than a second the leading car to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the turns for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.