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F1 has introduced the new language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the most significant rules overhaul in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the best performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to present a set of intricate features of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that directly explain the primary purpose of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The upcoming changes introduce a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is within one second the car ahead to assist with an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the corners for peak grip.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only limited engine output is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, up from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive device that recovered energy from the turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.