🔗 Share this article

Formula 1 has revealed the simplified language that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the largest technical shift in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the aero packages.

Throughout races, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the peak result.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is within one second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual power boost from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and closing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only partial power is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that generated electricity from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or lab-created processes.