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

F1 has introduced the new vocabulary that will be used to explain the intricate details of its new 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is potentially the most significant technical shift in its competitive history starting in 2026, featuring new chassis and engine rules and the required adoption of eco-friendly fuels.

The updated 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids, which maintain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid, boast a significantly increased electrical capacity, necessitating key advancements in the vehicles' aerodynamic design.

Throughout races, pilots will strategically manage battery power – including during hot laps – to extract the peak performance.

Extensive fan consultation were undertaken with a mix of viewers, including new, casual and core fans, to identify which phrases would aid comprehension of the central aspects of the upcoming rules.

The stated goal was to make a range of advanced new areas of the competition as straightforward as possible for the global fanbase.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for specific components – such as "modes labelled X and Z" for the active aerodynamics – have been phased out in preference for intuitive labels that directly explain the real-world effect of the technology.

Exploring the New Tech

Regulators explain that racers will have greater control to determine tactics regarding power usage, regeneration, and saving energy.

The upcoming changes mandate a range of settings that will be clearly indicated on broadcast screens to improve the viewers' comprehension of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This takes over from the existing Drag Reduction System. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy available when a competitor is less than a second the vehicle in front to facilitate an overtake.
• Boost Mode: This is a driver-operated battery discharge from the ERS that can be utilized during offensive or defensive moves. It delivers the pilot full engine and battery energy at the click of a switch.

Both of these crucial modes will have to be used with calculation, as the overall battery capacity is capped.

• Adjustable Aero: Both the front and rear wings adjust their angles – flattening on the high-speed sections for low aerodynamic resistance and higher speed, and closing in the bends for peak grip.
• Energy Harvesting: Drivers can recharge the energy store with energy harvested under braking, or during throttle lift at the end of straights or in sections where only partial power is required.

Car Design Evolution

The next-generation machines will be smaller and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a distance between axles cut by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width reduced by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the lowest permissible weight lowered by 30kg.

Total aerodynamic grip is expected to drop by approximately a significant margin, although constructors will naturally regain performance as they optimize their packages.

Aerodynamic drag has been cut by 40%. The cars will employ active aerodynamics – both wings will open on the straight sections to reduce drag and enhance velocity and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will continue to use 18-inch rims, but the rubber compounds will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

Power Unit Revolution

The revised hybrid units will have an near-equal balance in power produced by the petrol engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The hybrid system is simplified through the elimination of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

Cars will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, manufactured from plant-based materials or synthetic production methods.