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F1 has introduced the official language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

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

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which phrases would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

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

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The 2026 rules introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application 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 reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or lab-created processes.