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Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to secure the best result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

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