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Formula 1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is considered the largest regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to extract the best lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would make things clearer of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to present a range of advanced new areas of the sport as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the electrical system, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.