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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to extract the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.