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Formula 1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The sport is implementing what is considered the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations mandate a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a competitor is close behind the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.