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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the best lap time.

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

The key objective was to present a set of intricate new areas of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and closing in the turns for peak grip.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.