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Formula 1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage battery power – including during hot laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to present a series of complex features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of descriptive names that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.