🔗 Share this article

The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is potentially the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy battery power – including during hot laps – to extract the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back 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 three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the ICE and the ERS, up from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.