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Formula 1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.