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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the energy recovery system that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The ERS setup is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.