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The world of Formula 1 has revealed the official language that will be used to describe the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 regulations.

The racing series is introducing what is considered the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

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

Over a race distance, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a range of advanced features of the competition as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes introduce a set of functions that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy at the push of a button.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is used.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.