🔗 Share this article Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Explaining F1's New Technical Jargon The 2026 Formula 1 cars are designed to be more compact, agile and eco-conscious relative to present-day cars. Formula 1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook. The championship is embarking on what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels. The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher energy storage, driving significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics. Over a race distance, drivers will carefully oversee battery power – including during qualifying laps – to secure the peak performance. Wide-ranging research were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations. The primary aim was to make a series of complex new areas of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the widest audience. Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the actual function of the technology. Exploring the New Tech Regulators explain that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and saving energy. The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action. Attack Mode: This supersedes the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is within one second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver. Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the activation of a control. Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is capped. Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for low aerodynamic resistance and increased velocity, and sealing in the corners for optimal cornering performance. Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in sections where only reduced throttle is applied. What's Changing on the Cars? The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a wheelbase cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg. Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages. Drag has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – both wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance. Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle. 2026 Engine Regulations The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% electrical this year. The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger. All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from organic sources or synthetic production methods.