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

The championship is implementing what is considered the most significant technical shift in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will tactically deploy ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a range of advanced new areas of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – opening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

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

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.