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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is considered the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – including during flying laps – to secure the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is close behind the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides 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 overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.