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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is considered the most significant technical shift in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the best result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a range of advanced features of the competition as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation.

The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

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

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.