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Formula 1 has introduced the new terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is considered the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the peak performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would make things clearer of the main elements 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, initial designations for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The 2026 rules introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.