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F1 has unveiled the simplified vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

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

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will strategically manage battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to extract the optimal result.

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

The stated goal was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is less than a second the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – opening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only limited engine output is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

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

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the elimination of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, created from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.