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

The sport is introducing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – including during hot laps – to secure the best result.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to make a range of advanced new areas of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and conservation.

The new regulations mandate a set of functions that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It provides the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although teams will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.