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Formula 1 has introduced the official language that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is implementing what is potentially the largest regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

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

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

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

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical this year.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.