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Formula 1 has unveiled the official language that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced new areas of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be shown on TV overlays to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.