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The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is potentially the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a set of intricate new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a driver is close behind the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot peak output at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

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 reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will retain the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.