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Formula 1 has revealed the official language that will be used to describe the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The championship is introducing what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will tactically deploy ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the best result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, 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 battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic production methods.