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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the largest regulation change in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate new areas of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. 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 Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.