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F1 has revealed the simplified terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The championship is introducing what is potentially the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology 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 global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that racers will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.