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Formula 1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a set of intricate new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only limited engine output is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.