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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to describe the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is considered the most significant rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee electrical energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a set of intricate new areas of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance 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 close behind the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will retain the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.