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Formula 1 has unveiled the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The championship is introducing what is arguably the largest technical shift in its competitive history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.