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F1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a series of complex new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that drivers will have greater control to make decisions regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is close behind the leading car to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – spreading on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.