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F1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to describe the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The racing series is introducing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on flying laps – to secure the best result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is close behind the leading car to assist with an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase 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 projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.