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

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased battery power, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to extract the peak result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding battery management, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is close behind the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in sections where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.