Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Explaining F1's Updated Regulatory Terminology

F1 has introduced the simplified terminology that will be used to explain the technical complexities of its new 2026 regulations.

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the biggest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

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

During grand prix events, drivers will tactically deploy electrical energy – potentially on hot laps – to extract the optimal result.

Broad surveys were carried out with a diverse audience, including new, casual and core fans, to determine which phrases would aid comprehension of the key features of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a series of complex technical aspects of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, older technical labels for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the moveable wings – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that clearly indicate the actual function of the innovation.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to choose strategies regarding energy deployment, regeneration, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a series of modes that will be shown on television graphics to enhance the fans' insight of the strategic duel.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is less than a second the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a on-demand energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these key functions will have to be managed carefully, as the available electrical charge is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and top speed, and sealing in the corners for maximum downforce.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can replenish their battery with energy harvested under braking, or during coasting at the straight's end or in sections where only reduced throttle is used.

Car Design Evolution

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

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

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to improve speed and increase straightline speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, up from about 20% electrical in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the sophisticated and pricey device that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on carbon-neutral fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or lab-created processes.