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F1 has introduced the new terminology that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – including during flying laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex features of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that drivers will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.