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The world of Formula 1 has introduced the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the largest regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will strategically manage ERS energy – including during hot laps – to achieve the peak result.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced features of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is within one second the leading car to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and click back into place for peak handling.

Wheels will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the ERS, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.