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

The championship is implementing what is potentially the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

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

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy battery power – including during flying laps – to secure the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the actual function of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The 2026 rules feature a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will retain 18-inch rims, 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 roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.