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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified language that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to present a set of intricate new areas of the sport as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations mandate a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a driver is close behind the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

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

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is simplified through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.