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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is implementing what is considered the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage battery power – including during qualifying laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to make a set of intricate features of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations mandate a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.