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

The racing series is implementing what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the best result.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to make a set of intricate features of the competition as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that competitors will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is within one second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% electrical this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.