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F1 has introduced the official terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The sport is implementing what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the peak performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to present a series of complex features of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

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

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is less than a second the vehicle in front to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – spreading on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, 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 undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.