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F1 has revealed the new language that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher energy storage, necessitating key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy ERS energy – including during hot laps – to extract the best result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would make things clearer of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the competition as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation.

The 2026 rules feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is within one second the car ahead to assist with an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the driver maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and top speed, and closing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in corners where only limited engine output is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the turbo.

Cars will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.