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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the largest technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to secure the optimal result.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a series of modes that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is close behind the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and angling down in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

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

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The hybrid system is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

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