🔗 Share this article

The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The sport is implementing what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during flying laps – to secure the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It grants the pilot peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut 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 constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.