🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 regulations.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its long history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, necessitating major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will strategically manage electrical energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a series of complex new areas of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is less than a second the vehicle in front to assist with an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – spreading on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

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

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using biomass or synthetic production methods.