Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Explaining F1's Fresh Regulatory Jargon
The vehicles for the 2026 season are designed to be more compact, agile and eco-conscious compared to current models.
The world of Formula 1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to reference the intricate details of its new 2026 rulebook.
The sport is embarking on what is arguably the biggest technical shift in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.
The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a substantially higher electrical capacity, requiring major innovations in the aero packages.
Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even hot laps – to secure the peak result.
Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the key features of the upcoming rules.
The primary aim was to make a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.
Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for intuitive labels that succinctly convey the actual function of the innovation.
What's the New Technology?
According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to choose strategies regarding power usage, harvesting, and conservation.
The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the race battle.
- Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an pass.
- Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.
Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is restricted.
- Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – spreading on the straights for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and closing in the corners for peak grip.
- Recharge: Cars can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight or in corners where only limited engine output is required.
What's Changing on the Cars?
The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.
Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.
Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will adjust on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for peak handling.
Tyres will retain the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.
What's Changing in the Engines?
The new power units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical this year.
The ERS setup is simplified through the removal of the MGU-H, the intricate and expensive unit that generated electricity from the turbo.
Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using biomass or synthetic industrial processes.