🔗 Share this article

The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the largest technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage battery power – potentially on flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.