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Formula 1 has introduced the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the largest technical shift in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to secure the peak performance.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: 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 limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.