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Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to secure the peak performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is close behind the car ahead to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is required.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is simplified through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.