Formula One fans will be hearing a lot about Boost, Overtake, Active Aero, and Recharge in 2026, as the sport bids farewell to DRS—the drag reduction system that has long given drivers an extra burst of speed for overtaking.

The Liberty Media-owned series unveiled the new terminology on Wednesday to coincide with the start of a new engine era and what it calls the biggest overhaul of technical regulations in its history.

The cars themselves will be lighter and slimmer, featuring narrower tyres and a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, all running on sustainable fuel.

“In this new generation, drivers have more power in their hands than ever before,” Formula One said in a statement.

“Critical decision-making around energy deployment, regeneration, and conservation will place even greater responsibility on them. Understanding how to deploy these new tactical elements will be vital to showcasing their skill and racecraft.”

Formula One emphasized that it wanted to avoid “gimmicks and jargon” and developed the new terms after consulting the FIA, teams, engineers, and fans.

Here’s a breakdown of the new terminology:

• OVERTAKE Mode replaces DRS. It is a strategic tool that gives extra power for overtaking when a driver is within a second of the car ahead. It can be used all at once or spread across a lap.
• BOOST Mode allows drivers to deploy additional energy for attack or defense, providing maximum engine and battery power anywhere on the track at the push of a button.
• ACTIVE AERO refers to movable front and rear wing elements with Corner and Straight modes, designed to optimize on-track grip and strategic adaptability.
• RECHARGE is the process of replenishing the car’s battery through energy recovery during braking, throttle lift at the end of straights, and partial power application through corners.

With these changes, Formula One is preparing for a more tactical and electrifying era, where energy management will become as crucial as speed itself.