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Formula 1 has unveiled the official vocabulary that will be used to reference the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to secure the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex features of the sport as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a car is within one second the leading car to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although teams will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.