🔗 Share this article

The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is implementing what is considered the most significant rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to achieve the best result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to present a series of complex new areas of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is less than a second the leading car to assist with an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• 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 turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.