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Formula 1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is considered the most significant regulation change in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced features of the competition as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is within one second the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only partial power is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the ERS, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.