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F1 has revealed the simplified language that will be used to explain the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 rulebook.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its competitive 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 substantially higher energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – sometimes even qualifying laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terms would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to render a series of complex new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in favor of straightforward terms that directly explain the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, regeneration, and saving energy.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This supersedes the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is close behind the leading car to execute an pass.
• Boost Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Cars can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight decreased by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they develop their cars.

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic production methods.