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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new language that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the peak performance.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a set of intricate new areas of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and top speed, and closing in the corners for peak grip.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the end of straights 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 relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

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

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