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

The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official vocabulary that will be used to describe the intricate details of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is introducing what is considered the biggest regulation change in its competitive history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the compulsory introduction of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, driving key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will carefully oversee battery power – including during hot laps – to secure the optimal result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to understand which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a set of intricate new areas of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for straightforward terms that succinctly convey the primary purpose of the technology.

Key Technical Innovations

Regulators explain that competitors will have increased agency to choose strategies regarding power usage, energy recovery, and conservation.

The 2026 rules mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to improve the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a short boost of battery power deployable when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand power boost from the ERS that can be utilized during attack or defence. It grants the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for reduced drag and higher speed, and sealing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

What's Changing on the Cars?

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

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately 15-30%, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will adjust on the straights to reduce drag and boost top speed and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in power produced by the ICE and the electrical system, up from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the complicated and costly device that generated electricity from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.