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F1 has revealed the official language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

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

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favour of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a competitor is close behind the leading car to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.