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F1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a series of complex new areas of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that drivers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a car is within one second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery 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 required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, up from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.