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F1 has revealed the new language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is considered the largest regulation change in its illustrious 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 retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is less than a second the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced 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 squads will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.