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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is considered the most significant technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a series of complex features of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a driver is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep 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 approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.