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

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

The championship is embarking on what is potentially the biggest regulation change in its long history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased battery power, requiring key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, drivers will strategically manage ERS energy – including during qualifying laps – to achieve the best performance.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a mix of viewers, including long-time followers and newcomers, to determine which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The primary aim was to render a set of intricate features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, initial designations for some systems – such as "x-mode and z-mode" for the adjustable aero – have been phased out in favor of intuitive labels that directly explain the actual function of the system.

Key Technical Innovations

According to rule-makers that racers will have more power to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the fans' insight of the on-track action.

• Passing Mode: This replaces the current DRS. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a driver is within one second the vehicle in front to execute an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a on-demand battery discharge from the energy recovery system that can be used in attack or defence. It delivers the pilot peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these key functions will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the car's wings move automatically – opening on the straights for reduced drag and top speed, and angling down in the corners for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: The system can harvest energy with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the conclusion of a straight or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be reduced in size and weight than this year, with a car length shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width cut by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although teams will undoubtedly recover some as they optimize their packages.

Drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ adjustable aero systems – both wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and click back into place for peak handling.

Tyres will keep 18-inch wheel rims, but the tyres themselves will be slimmer, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

Power Unit Revolution

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, a rise from about 20% battery contribution in the current formula.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the removal of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that harvested power from the exhaust turbo.

Cars will be required to run on fully sustainable fuel, created from plant-based materials or synthetic industrial processes.