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F1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex features of the sport as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

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

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use 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 new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.