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

The championship is implementing what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the best result.

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

The key objective was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

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

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.