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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is introducing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is simplified through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

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