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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate new areas of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the energy recovery system that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and higher speed, and angling down in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in sections where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive unit that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.