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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on hot laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a series of complex features of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is close behind the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will keep the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.