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Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The racing series is introducing what is considered the most significant rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate new areas of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is less than a second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, produced using biomass or synthetic production methods.