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The upcoming Formula 1 season is laced with unknowns amid the Championship’s decision to undertake one of the biggest regulatory overhauls in history. Grand Prix racing has always been an ever-evolving beast, but in 2026, there are fresh rules, nascent innovations, and new terminology.

Over the course of pre-season, we’ll be making sure you’re caught up on all of the changes, starting with a handy guide to F1’s new words, so when you hear people talking about Boost Button, Overtake Mode, to Active Aero, you know exactly what they mean. And don’t worry, there’ll be no overcomplicated jargon here, just the basics you need to know to follow along.

Boost Button

What it means: Using a button on their steering wheels, drivers will be able to choose when their car’s power unit delivers full power.

How we expect it to impact racing: The ability to alter power unit settings means drivers will have extra juice at their fingertips, but how and when they deploy it is up to them, with only a limited amount of energy available.

It can be used in defending or attacking, and in one go or spread more equitably across a lap. That is likely to enhance overtaking and could lead to some attempted moves in more unusual places if a driver thinks they can pounce on an unsuspecting rival.

Overtake Mode

What it means: Drivers will be able to deploy additional power, giving them an extra +0.5MJ (Mega Joules). If a car is within one second of the car ahead when it passes a detection point (usually the final corner) Overtake Mode will be activated on the following lap. 

How we expect it to impact racing: The Drag Reduction System, in place in Formula 1 since 2011, is no more, and instead, we have Overtake Mode. Its effectiveness will be most pronounced on the longer straights, when the leading car’s top speed tapering off will allow the pursuing car to activate Overtake Mode, close in, and hopefully be close enough to attempt a move.  

Active Aero

What it means: This year, Formula 1 cars will have active aerodynamics. In Straight Mode, the front and rear wing flaps open to reduce drag. In Corner Mode, the wings will revert back to their normal high-downforce position, in order to maximise the all-round potential of the car.  

How we expect it to impact racing: Drivers will be able to manually switch between Corner Mode and Straight Mode. Unlike the use of DRS, which was restricted to only a few specific zones, Straight Mode will be possible on more straights, and at any point, introducing greater tactical flexibility.

However, there will still be systems in place to ensure drivers aren’t trying to take certain corners in Straight Mode. The use of different modes is intended to help with energy conservation and efficiency rather than as an overtaking aid.

Recharge

What it means: Drivers are able to harvest energy from braking at the end of the straights, from lifting off earlier on the approach, or from not being at full throttle.

How we expect it to impact racing: A driver lifting off earlier along a straight could be more vulnerable to attack, but recharging will give them more energy later on in the lap or race.