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Formula 1 has unveiled the official language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the cars' aerodynamics.

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the peak performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to make a series of complex features of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

2026 Car Specifications

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

Total aerodynamic grip is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The cars will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to improve speed and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and three centimetres on the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive component that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.