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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the optimal result.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is close behind the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at 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, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.