Active Aero & Overtake Mode - Explaining F1's New Technical Terminology

Formula 1 has unveiled the new terminology that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The sport is implementing what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its competitive history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, necessitating major innovations in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

During grand prix events, pilots will tactically deploy electrical energy – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the peak lap time.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The key objective was to render a set of intricate features of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in favor of straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

The FIA states that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be shown on TV overlays to enhance the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Overtake Mode: This supersedes the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the pilot maximum power at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and increased velocity, and angling down in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in sections where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they refine their designs.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will move on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30mm at the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The 2026 engines will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The ERS setup is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be mandated to operate on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic production methods.