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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified terminology 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 technical shift in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced new areas of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a car is within one second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.