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Formula 1 has unveiled the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is considered the most significant regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate features of the competition as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is within one second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbo.

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