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F1 has unveiled the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – including during flying laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is within one second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or lab-created processes.