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Formula 1 has revealed the official language that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is potentially the most significant technical shift in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to extract the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is less than a second the leading car to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the energy recovery system that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in corners where only partial power is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.