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F1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is implementing what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced new areas of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, produced using plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.