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

The racing series is implementing what is considered the biggest technical shift in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during hot laps – to secure the best performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only limited engine output is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

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

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the turbo.

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