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F1 has introduced the new terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is introducing what is potentially the most significant technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher battery power, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the optimal lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to present a series of complex features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states 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 visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

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

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.