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F1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the largest regulation change in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would make things clearer of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate technical aspects of the competition as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of descriptive names that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is within one second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the turns for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased 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 cars will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.