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Formula 1 has revealed the simplified language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, necessitating key advancements in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee ERS energy – including during flying laps – to achieve the peak performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the central aspects of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to render a range of advanced technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

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

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only reduced throttle is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic production methods.