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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – including during hot laps – to extract the optimal performance.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is close behind the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for attack or defence. It grants the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

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

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds 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 horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.