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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

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

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to secure the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to present a range of advanced features of the sport as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in sections where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.