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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the largest regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to extract the best performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that racers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is close behind the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.