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

The world of Formula 1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to reference the advanced features of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is arguably the most significant regulation change in its illustrious history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of fully sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving significant developments in the aero packages.

Throughout races, drivers will tactically deploy ERS energy – potentially on flying laps – to achieve the best lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would improve understanding of the key features of the new regulations.

The stated goal was to present a range of advanced technical aspects of the racing as accessible as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for some systems – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the primary purpose of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that drivers will have increased agency to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a range of settings that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the race battle.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in attack or defence. It provides the driver peak output at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aerodynamics: Both the nose and rear wings move automatically – opening on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and angling down in the bends for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in certain corners where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a wheelbase reduced by 200mm to 3,400mm, overall width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight reduced by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately a significant margin, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 40%. The vehicles will feature active aerodynamics – front and rear wings will open on the straights to reduce drag and enhance velocity and revert into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep the current rim size, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in horsepower generated by the internal combustion engine and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The energy recovery system is made less complex through the deletion of the MGU-H, the sophisticated and pricey device that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Every car on the grid will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.