🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a series of complex features of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules introduce a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although squads will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.