🔗 Share this article Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Decoding F1's New Technical Terminology The 2026 cars are expected to be smaller, nimbler and more environmentally friendly compared to current models. Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to reference the advanced features of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules. The sport is implementing what is considered the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels. The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics. Throughout races, competitors will tactically deploy ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to extract the best performance. Broad surveys were carried out with a mix of viewers, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules. The stated goal was to present a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership. Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in favour of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system. Key Technical Innovations The FIA states that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, harvesting, and conservation. The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be shown on television graphics to improve the viewers' comprehension of the strategic duel. Passing Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a driver is less than a second the leading car to execute an pass. Boost Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It delivers the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control. Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped. Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance. Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only partial power is applied. 2026 Car Specifications The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg. Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages. Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will move on the straight sections to reduce drag and increase straightline speed and click back into place for peak handling. Wheels will keep 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle. What's Changing in the Engines? The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules. The hybrid system is simplified through the deletion of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo. All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.