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Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, necessitating significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – including during flying laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain 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, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes 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 execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

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

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.