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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for reduced drag and higher speed, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the ERS, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.