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

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will strategically manage battery power – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced new areas of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It grants the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The cars will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.