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F1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to secure the optimal performance.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding battery management, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is close behind the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.