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Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the primary purpose of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a driver is close behind the leading car to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.