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F1 has revealed the new language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – including during flying laps – to secure the peak result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.