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F1 has introduced the official language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is considered the most significant rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to extract the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a range of advanced new areas of the competition as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to execute an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for attack or defence. It grants the driver maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will keep 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.