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

The racing series is introducing what is considered the biggest technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in sections where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, 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 near-equal balance in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.