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Formula 1 has introduced the official terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to secure the best lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for reduced drag and higher speed, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only limited engine output is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.