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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is introducing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to present a set of intricate technical aspects of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to improve the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a driver is close behind the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It delivers 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 available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

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

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.