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Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to extract the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic production methods.