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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease 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 vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.