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F1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is implementing what is considered the biggest regulation change in its competitive 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 configuration, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during flying laps – to achieve the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a set of intricate features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes introduce a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.