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F1 has revealed the official language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – including during qualifying laps – to extract the best lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terms would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to render a series of complex new areas of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straights to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.