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Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which phrases would make things clearer of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a car is close behind the car ahead to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

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

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using biomass or synthetic industrial processes.