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

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

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

Throughout races, pilots will tactically deploy battery power – including during flying laps – to secure the peak lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to make a set of intricate features of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

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

The 2026 rules feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will employ adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Cars will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.