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

The world of Formula 1 has unveiled the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the advanced features of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is introducing what is considered the biggest rules overhaul in its illustrious history for the 2026 campaign, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, necessitating significant developments in the cars' aerodynamics.

Over a race distance, pilots will tactically deploy electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to achieve the best performance.

Wide-ranging research were carried out with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would improve understanding of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The primary aim was to present a series of complex features of the sport as accessible as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of straightforward terms that clearly indicate the real-world effect of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that drivers will have more power to determine tactics regarding battery management, energy recovery, and conservation.

The new regulations feature a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to enhance the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This takes over from the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a driver is close behind the car ahead to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the energy recovery system that can be deployed for overtaking or defending. It grants the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be managed carefully, as the overall battery capacity is restricted.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the straights for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Cars can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the conclusion of a straight 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 compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is projected to decrease by approximately a significant margin, although squads will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The vehicles will utilize active aerodynamics – both wings will adjust on the straights to cut resistance and enhance velocity and return into place for maximum cornering performance.

Wheels will continue to use the current rim size, but the rubber compounds will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and three centimetres on the rear.

2026 Engine Regulations

The new power units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey unit that harvested power from the turbo.

All vehicles will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.