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

The championship is embarking on what is considered the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will tactically deploy electrical energy – potentially on flying laps – to extract the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to improve the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is within one second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for peak grip.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

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