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F1 has revealed the official language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

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

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

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