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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is considered the largest regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the best result.

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 upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a range of advanced new areas of the sport 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 active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in corners where only partial power is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity 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 a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the ERS, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.