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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only partial power is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase 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 expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

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

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.