🔗 Share this article Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Explaining F1's New Technical Terminology The 2026 cars are designed to be more compact, agile and eco-conscious than this year. Formula 1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 technical rules. The sport is implementing what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its long history starting in 2026, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels. The new power units, which keep the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the aero packages. During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy battery power – potentially on qualifying laps – to achieve the best result. Broad surveys were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the upcoming rules. The stated goal was to render a range of advanced features of the racing as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership. Consequently, initial designations for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favour of intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the system. Exploring the New Tech Regulators explain that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and conservation. The upcoming changes mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on television graphics to aid the fans' insight of the strategic duel. Passing Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a competitor is less than a second the car ahead to execute an overtaking maneuver. Power Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the driver peak output at the push of a button. Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the available electrical charge is restricted. Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for optimal cornering performance. Battery Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only partial power is used. 2026 Car Specifications The next-generation machines will be more compact and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight lowered by 30kg. Overall downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs. Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and click back into place for peak handling. Tyres will continue to use the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear. Power Unit Revolution The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in energy output by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula. The energy recovery system is streamlined through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the turbo. All vehicles will be mandated to operate on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.