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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for attack or defence. It grants the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and angling down in the turns for peak grip.
• Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced 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 constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, a rise from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.