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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, requiring major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee electrical energy – including during flying laps – to extract the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to present a set of intricate features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is less than a second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.