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Formula 1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a driver is within one second the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

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

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.