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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The championship is introducing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a driver is within one second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The ERS setup is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.