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

The sport is introducing what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The key objective was to make a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

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

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the bends for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, 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 horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.