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Formula 1 has unveiled the official language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its illustrious history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations mandate a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• 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 peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the ICE and the ERS, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.