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

The racing series is introducing what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased energy storage, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, competitors will carefully oversee electrical energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase cut 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 a significant margin, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will move 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 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

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

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.