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F1 has revealed the simplified language that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – potentially on flying laps – to secure the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding battery management, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and angling down in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

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

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.