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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is introducing what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

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

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to aid the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a competitor is close behind the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in sections 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 distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

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

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.