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F1 has revealed the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

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

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, driving major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on hot laps – to secure the peak result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is within one second the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – spreading on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is required.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using biomass or synthetic production methods.