🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to reference the intricate details of its new 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the most significant rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – including during hot laps – to achieve the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex features of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The 2026 rules introduce a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a driver is less than a second the leading car to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only limited engine output 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 shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The cars will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.