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

The sport is implementing what is considered the most significant technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to aid the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is within one second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights 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 rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.