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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is introducing what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during flying laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a set of intricate features of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the leading car to assist with an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, produced using plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.