F1 Unveils Official 2026 Terminology: Overtake, Boost, Active Aero, and Recharge

Formula 1 has officially defined the key technical terms for its 2026 regulations, moving away from complex jargon like 'X-Mode' in favor of clearer, more descriptive language centered on four core functions: Overtake Mode, Boost Mode, Active Aero, and Recharge. The sport aims to make the new, highly technical cars easier for fans and commentators to understand and describe.

Why it matters:

The 2026 technical overhaul is one of the most significant in F1 history, introducing lighter, more agile cars with a 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and battery. Clear, intuitive terminology is crucial for fans to follow the strategic battles and technological innovations that will define this new era, replacing potentially confusing codenames with straightforward, action-oriented language.

The details:

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the current DRS system. Drivers within one second of the car ahead can deploy extra electrical energy to attempt a pass. It can be used in a single burst or strategically managed across a lap.
• Boost Mode: A driver-operated button that delivers maximum combined power from the engine and battery instantly. Unlike Overtake Mode, it can be used anywhere on track for attack or defense, functioning similarly to a 'push-to-pass' system.
• Active Aero: Dynamically adjustable front and rear wing elements that automatically switch between a high-downforce configuration for corners and a low-drag setup for straights in designated high-speed zones, optimizing both grip and straight-line speed.
• Recharge: The collective term for methods drivers use to replenish the hybrid battery, including harvesting energy under braking, during 'lift-and-coast' maneuvers, and even in corners while using partial throttle.

What's next:

The finalized terminology comes as F1 also released new renders of the 2026 car designs, which are significantly smaller and lighter than current models. With the first on-track tests for the new generation of cars scheduled for early next year, these four terms—Overtake, Boost, Active Aero, and Recharge—will quickly become the foundational vocabulary for describing the action and strategy from 2026 onward.