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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its illustrious history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage battery power – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the best result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a set of intricate features of the sport as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – 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 competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the energy recovery system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey unit that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Cars will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.