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F1 has unveiled the new language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, competitors will strategically manage battery power – including during flying laps – to extract the best performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a set of intricate features of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that drivers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is required.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.