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Formula 1 has unveiled the official language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the largest technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to render a set of intricate features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is within one second the leading car to facilitate an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and closing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.