Active Aero & Overtake Mode - Decoding F1's Updated Technical Language

F1 has revealed the simplified language that will be used to reference the intricate details of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is implementing what is considered the biggest regulation change in its illustrious history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a substantially higher battery power, requiring significant developments in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – sometimes even qualifying laps – to secure the peak result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the new regulations.

The key objective was to present a series of complex new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the innovation.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that competitors will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding battery management, harvesting, and saving energy.

The new regulations mandate a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the present overtaking aid. It provides a short boost of battery power available when a car is less than a second the leading car to execute an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a manual battery discharge from the hybrid system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It delivers 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 capped.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in sections where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The 2026 cars will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a car length reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is expected to drop by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will naturally regain performance as they refine their designs.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and click back into place for optimal grip in corners.

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

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the petrol engine and the electrical system, increasing from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.