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

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee electrical energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a driver is within one second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only partial power is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.