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Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during hot laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced features of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is close behind the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.