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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified terminology that will be used to describe the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The sport is introducing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving key advancements in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced new areas of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favor of descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and conservation.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is within one second the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

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