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F1 has introduced the simplified language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The championship is implementing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, 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 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will tactically deploy battery power – including during hot laps – to achieve the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a set of intricate technical aspects of the racing as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes introduce a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for attack or defence. It grants the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – opening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed 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 teams will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.