Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Decoding F1's New Technical Jargon

F1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its new 2026 rulebook.

The championship is implementing what is arguably the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, necessitating significant developments in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will strategically manage electrical energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to understand which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to present a set of intricate technical aspects of the racing as easy to grasp as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding battery management, energy recovery, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes feature a set of functions that will be visually displayed on TV overlays to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is less than a second the leading car to assist with an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the driver maximum power at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is restricted.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the corners for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is required.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and click back into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

2026 Engine Regulations

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the petrol engine and the ERS, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

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