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F1 has revealed the official vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage battery power – potentially on flying laps – to secure the peak performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced new areas of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules introduce 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 present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is within one second the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – spreading on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or lab-created processes.