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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced new areas of the competition as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules introduce a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It grants the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.