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F1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is introducing what is arguably the most significant technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced energy storage, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will strategically manage battery power – including during hot laps – to secure the best lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The key objective was to render a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the energy recovery system that can be used in attack or defence. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can harvest energy with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the removal of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

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