🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to make a series of complex new areas of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a driver is less than a second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers the driver maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.