Overtake Mode & Active Aero - Explaining F1's Fresh Technical Language

The world of Formula 1 has introduced the official language that will be used to describe the technical complexities of its revolutionary 2026 technical rules.

The sport is embarking on what is potentially the most significant regulation change in its long history starting in 2026, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the required adoption of 100% sustainable fuels.

The revised engines, which keep the hybrid V6 layout, boast a significantly increased energy storage, requiring key advancements in the aero packages.

During grand prix events, competitors will strategically manage ERS energy – potentially on hot laps – to extract the optimal lap time.

Extensive fan consultation were carried out with a wide range of fans, including dedicated enthusiasts and casual observers, to identify which terms would improve understanding of the main elements of the upcoming rules.

The key objective was to present a range of advanced new areas of the sport as straightforward as possible for the widest audience.

Consequently, older technical labels for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the adjustable aero – have been abandoned in favor of intuitive labels that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the technology.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have greater control to make decisions regarding power usage, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The new regulations introduce a set of functions that will be clearly indicated on TV overlays to aid the audience's understanding of the strategic duel.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy deployable when a car is within one second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Extra Push Mode: This is a driver-operated energy deployment from the hybrid system that can be used in offensive or defensive moves. It provides the pilot peak output at the click of a switch.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the total energy is restricted.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings move automatically – flattening on the high-speed sections for reduced drag and top speed, and sealing in the turns for maximum downforce.
• Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with regenerative braking, or during coasting at the end of straights or in certain corners where only limited engine output is used.

Car Design Evolution

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

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

Air resistance has been cut by 40%. The cars will feature adjustable aero systems – both wings will open on the straights to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for peak handling.

Pirelli tyres will retain 18-inch rims, but the actual tyres will be reduced in width, by a quarter-centimetre on the front and 30 millimetres on the rear axle.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The new power units will have an roughly half-and-half distribution in horsepower generated by the ICE and the electrical system, increasing from about one-fifth electric power under present rules.

The ERS setup is made less complex through the deletion of the complex turbo energy recovery device, the intricate and expensive unit that harvested power from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from organic sources or synthetic industrial processes.