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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is considered the biggest regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak result.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.