The vehicles for the 2026 season are set to be more compact, agile and eco-conscious than this year.
Formula 1 has revealed the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.
The racing series is introducing what is considered the biggest technical shift in its long history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.
The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.
Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage electrical energy – including during hot laps – to secure the best performance.
Broad surveys were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which phrases would make things clearer of the key features of the 2026 changes.
The stated goal was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.
Consequently, previous placeholder terms for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the system.
Exploring the New Tech
Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and saving energy.
The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.
- Overtake Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a surge of additional ERS power deployable when a car is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
- Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver maximum power at the click of a switch.
Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.
- Active Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – opening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and angling down in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
- Battery 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 used.
2026 Car Specifications
The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.
Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.
Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.
Tyres will continue to use 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.
2026 Engine Regulations
The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.
The energy recovery system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly component that generated electricity from the turbo.
Every car on the grid will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.
