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Formula 1 has revealed the new language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the driver peak output at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

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

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.