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F1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher battery power, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage electrical energy – including during flying laps – to extract the peak performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced features of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in favor of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that competitors will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is close behind the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for reduced drag and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is required.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly unit that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.