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

Formula 1 has revealed the new terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is implementing what is potentially the largest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring fresh chassis and power unit regulations and the mandatory use of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, requiring significant developments in the aero packages.

Throughout races, competitors will carefully oversee ERS energy – sometimes even flying laps – to achieve the optimal performance.

Extensive fan consultation were conducted with a diverse audience, including long-time followers and newcomers, to identify which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the 2026 changes.

The stated goal was to present a range of advanced features of the sport as easy to grasp as possible for the global fanbase.

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 clearly indicate the actual function of the system.

What's the New Technology?

Regulators explain that racers will have increased agency to make decisions regarding battery management, harvesting, and efficiency.

The new regulations feature a series of modes that will be clearly indicated on television graphics to aid the audience's understanding of the on-track action.

• Attack Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a car is close behind the car ahead to facilitate an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual energy deployment from the ERS that can be used in attack or defence. It grants the pilot maximum power at the push of a button.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be deployed strategically, as the overall battery capacity is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – flattening on the high-speed sections for minimal air resistance and higher speed, and sealing in the bends for peak grip.
• Battery Recharge: Drivers can recharge the energy store with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in corners where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter than this year, with a distance between axles shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the car weight decreased by 30kg.

Cumulative downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately fifteen to thirty percent, although squads will inevitably claw this back as they develop their cars.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will utilize adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Tyres will keep the current rim size, but the actual tyres will be narrower, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an near-equal balance in energy output by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% electrical under present rules.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the elimination of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

All vehicles will be obliged to compete on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.