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Formula 1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the best result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which phrases would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced new areas of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is within one second the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – opening on the straights for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, 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 teams will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic production methods.