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F1 has unveiled the simplified language that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the most significant regulation change in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee electrical energy – potentially on qualifying laps – to achieve the optimal result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favour of straightforward terms that directly explain the real-world effect of the innovation.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes feature a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is close behind the car ahead to execute an overtake.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the ERS that can be deployed for attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only partial power is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they develop their cars.

Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will utilize moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive component that generated electricity from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.