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Formula 1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the largest regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even hot laps – to extract the peak result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a set of intricate features of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

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

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using biomass or lab-created processes.