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Formula 1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy battery power – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes mandate a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced 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 develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on 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 petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.