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F1 has introduced the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the peak result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favor of descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a car is close behind the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.