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Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to extract the peak performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

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

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

• Overtake 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 overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.