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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the largest technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy ERS energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to extract the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favour of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is within one second the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic production methods.