Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Understanding F1's Fresh Regulatory Jargon

F1 has unveiled the official language that will be used to reference the advanced features of its upcoming 2026 rulebook.

The championship is embarking on what is arguably the largest regulation change in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the compulsory introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, competitors will carefully oversee battery power – potentially on hot laps – to secure the peak performance.

Broad surveys were conducted with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to make a range of advanced features of the competition as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the active aerodynamics – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that directly explain the actual function of the system.

Exploring the New Tech

According to rule-makers that drivers will have more power to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The upcoming changes introduce a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to enhance the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a car is close behind the leading car to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during attack or defence. It provides the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

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

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and closing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with power recovered from braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in corners where only limited engine output is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The 2026 cars will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is projected to decrease by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for maximum cornering performance.

Tyres will retain 18-inch wheel rims, but the rubber compounds will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the ERS, increasing from about one-fifth electric power in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is streamlined through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey component that recovered energy from the turbo.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or lab-created processes.