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Formula 1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is considered the most significant technical shift in its illustrious history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the peak performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is close behind the leading car to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

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

Cars will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.