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

F1 has introduced the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The racing series is implementing what is arguably the biggest rules overhaul in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption 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 vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – including during flying laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to make a range of advanced new areas of the sport as accessible as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules mandate a series of modes that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power accessible when a car is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be used in overtaking or defending. It provides the driver full engine and battery energy 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 reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight relative to current models, with a distance between axles reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is anticipated to be reduced 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 feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25 millimetres on the front axle and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the ICE and the battery and motor, increasing from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbo.

Cars will be mandated to operate on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.