🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has introduced the official terminology that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is considered the largest regulation change in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, pilots will tactically deploy ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to secure the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

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

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is close behind the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy 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 nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

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

All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.