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

The world of Formula 1 has revealed the simplified vocabulary that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 regulations.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the largest rules overhaul in its illustrious history next season, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of fully sustainable fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced electrical capacity, driving major innovations in the aero packages.

Over a race distance, pilots will carefully oversee ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to achieve the best performance.

Broad surveys were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to determine which terminology would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to render a set of intricate features of the racing as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, initial designations for certain devices – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been discarded in preference for descriptive names that clearly indicate the primary purpose of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

According to rule-makers that competitors will have greater control to choose strategies regarding battery management, regeneration, and conservation.

The new regulations mandate a range of settings that will be visually displayed on broadcast screens to aid the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a surge of additional ERS power available when a competitor is close behind the vehicle in front to execute an pass.
• Power Mode: This is a manual power boost from the ERS that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It grants the driver full engine and battery energy at the activation of a control.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the total energy is strictly limited.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – opening on the long straight sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the turns for optimal cornering performance.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can harvest energy with energy harvested under braking, or during partial power application at the end of straights or in certain corners where only partial power is applied.

2026 Car Specifications

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter relative to current models, with a car length reduced 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 a significant margin, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they refine their designs.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature moveable wing elements – front and rear wings will open on the straight sections to cut resistance and boost top speed and revert into place for peak handling.

Tyres will continue to use 18-inch wheel rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The 2026 engines will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the battery and motor, a rise from about 20% battery contribution under present rules.

The energy recovery system is simplified through the removal of the Motor Generator Unit – Heat, the complicated and costly unit that recovered energy from the exhaust turbo.

Every car on the grid will be obliged to compete on fully sustainable fuel, produced using organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.