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F1 has unveiled the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is considered the most significant regulation change in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will strategically manage electrical energy – including during hot laps – to extract the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The key objective was to present a series of complex features of the competition 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 discarded in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the driver peak output at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.