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Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The sport is implementing what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – including during qualifying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which phrases would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

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

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is close behind the vehicle in front to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

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

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic production methods.