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Formula 1 has introduced the simplified terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, requiring major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – including during flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding battery management, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the corners for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will retain the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.