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F1 has unveiled the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The championship is introducing what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during flying laps – to extract the peak result.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

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

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.