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F1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

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

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving key advancements in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to secure the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a series of complex new areas of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that drivers will have greater control to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a driver is close behind the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

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