🔗 Share this article

F1 has unveiled the simplified language that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is introducing what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a substantially higher energy storage, requiring significant developments in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the peak performance.

Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The key objective was to make a series of complex technical aspects of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been discarded in favour of descriptive names that directly explain the real-world effect of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

The FIA states that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be shown on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power accessible when a driver is less than a second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the turns for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is required.

What's Changing on the Cars?

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be obliged to compete on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using biomass or lab-created processes.