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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, necessitating significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex new areas of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is within one second the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about 20% electrical this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.