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Formula 1 has introduced the new terminology that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The racing series is embarking on what is considered the biggest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a set of intricate features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is within one second the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ 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.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly device that harvested power from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.