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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage battery power – including during flying laps – to extract the peak result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is used.

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, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.