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F1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest regulation change in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will strategically manage battery power – potentially on hot laps – to extract the optimal result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners 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 required.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The ERS setup is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.