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F1 has revealed the new language that will be used to describe the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is potentially the largest regulation change in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating major innovations in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage battery power – sometimes even flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Wide-ranging research were conducted with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the new regulations.

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

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that competitors will have increased agency to make decisions regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be shown on broadcast screens to aid the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a driver is within one second the leading car to facilitate an pass.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the ERS that can be deployed for attack or defence. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will retain the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that generated electricity from the turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.