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Formula 1 has introduced the new terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its new 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is considered the most significant regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – including during hot laps – to extract the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes mandate a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

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

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.