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F1 has revealed the new language that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will tactically deploy battery power – including during flying laps – to secure the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is within one second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

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

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.