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Formula 1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is introducing what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to execute an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.