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F1 has introduced the simplified language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the largest technical shift in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a series of complex new areas of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

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

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is less than a second the leading car to assist with an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

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

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will move on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

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

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 battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or lab-created processes.