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F1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to describe the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the peak performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex features of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation.

The 2026 rules mandate a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is close behind the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the ICE and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the turbo.

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