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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is considered the largest technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the peak lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall 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 squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.