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Formula 1 has introduced the official language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is considered the most significant rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to make a range of advanced features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, 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 energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, produced using biomass or lab-created processes.