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F1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to secure the peak result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a set of intricate new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in certain corners where only partial power is required.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.