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Formula 1 has unveiled the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to achieve the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.