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Formula 1 has revealed the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is considered the biggest regulation change in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – including during flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

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

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is less than a second the leading car to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about 20% electrical this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.