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F1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is considered the largest technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during hot laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which phrases would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a set of intricate new areas of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the deletion of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.