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Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the largest technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to extract the optimal performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the competition as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been discarded in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is less than a second the leading car to assist with an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for 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 overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

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

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the turbo.

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