Documentation Index
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Introduction
This section provides standardized definitions for terms used throughout the FIA 2026 Formula 1 Technical Regulations. These definitions ensure consistent interpretation and application of the regulations across all stakeholders.Where a term is defined in these General Provisions, that definition applies throughout all sections of the Technical Regulations unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Core Terminology
Competitor and Constructor
Competitor
Competitor
The person, corporate entity, or organization that has been entered and accepted to participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The Competitor is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulations and is the entity to which championship points are awarded.
Constructor
Constructor
The person, corporate entity, or organization that designs and manufactures the Listed Parts (see Power Unit and Chassis Regulations) of an F1 car. A Constructor must design and manufacture the chassis and must hold the intellectual property rights to the design.
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
The entity recognized by the FIA as the designer and producer of a Power Unit. Power Unit Manufacturers have specific rights and obligations under these regulations.
Car and Components
Survival Cell
The primary safety structure surrounding the driver, designed to maintain integrity in impacts and provide maximum driver protection.
Power Unit
The complete propulsion system including Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Energy Recovery Systems, and all associated components as defined in the Power Unit regulations.
Listed Parts
Components that must be designed and manufactured by the Constructor, which may not be outsourced or purchased from other teams.
Standard Supply Parts
Components mandated to be identical across all Competitors, supplied by FIA-designated suppliers.
Technical Specifications
Reference Plane
Reference Plane
The flat surface defined by the lowest points of the front and rear contact patches of the tires when the car is in its normal racing configuration. All vertical measurements are taken perpendicular to the Reference Plane.
Bodywork
Bodywork
All external surfaces of the car that are not part of the suspension, Power Unit, or transmission systems. Bodywork is subject to strict dimensional and aerodynamic regulations.
Sprung Mass
Sprung Mass
The portion of the car’s mass that is supported by the suspension system. This excludes wheels, tires, brake assemblies, and certain suspension components.
Unsprung Mass
Unsprung Mass
Components not supported by the suspension, including wheels, tires, brake assemblies, and portions of the suspension system that move with the wheels.
Measurement and Testing Terms
Dimensional References
Datum Line
The longitudinal centerline of the car, equidistant from the centers of the front and rear contact patches.
Front Wheel Centerline
The transverse line passing through the centers of the front wheel contact patches.
Rear Wheel Centerline
The transverse line passing through the centers of the rear wheel contact patches.
Load Cases
Static Load
Static Load
A force applied to a component or structure that does not vary in magnitude or direction over time. Used in structural testing and compliance verification.
Dynamic Load
Dynamic Load
A force that varies in magnitude, direction, or both during application. Includes operational loads experienced during racing conditions.
Ultimate Load
Ultimate Load
The maximum load a component must withstand without structural failure. Components must survive ultimate load tests without permanent deformation or fracture.
Limit Load
Limit Load
The maximum load expected during normal racing operations. Components must operate normally under limit loads with no permanent deformation.
Materials and Construction
Material Classifications
Composite Materials
Materials consisting of two or more constituent materials with different physical properties, typically fiber-reinforced polymers used in chassis construction.
Homogeneous Materials
Materials of uniform composition throughout, including metals, alloys, and certain polymers.
Metallic Materials
Elements or alloys consisting primarily of metallic elements, subject to specific regulations regarding composition and treatment.
Prescribed Materials
Materials whose composition, properties, and manufacturing processes are defined by the FIA and must be used for specific applications.
Manufacturing Processes
Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing
Production processes that build components layer-by-layer from digital models, commonly known as 3D printing. Subject to specific regulations regarding materials, processes, and applications.
Homologation
Homologation
The FIA approval process for specific components or systems, requiring submission of detailed technical documentation and, where applicable, physical samples for testing and verification.
Power Unit Terminology
Energy Recovery Systems
MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic)
MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic)
The electrical machine connected to the engine crankshaft that recovers kinetic energy during braking and deploys electrical energy to provide additional power.
MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit - Heat)
MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit - Heat)
The electrical machine connected to the turbocharger shaft that recovers energy from exhaust gases and controls turbocharger speed.
Energy Store (ES)
Energy Store (ES)
The battery system that stores electrical energy recovered by the MGU-K and MGU-H for later deployment.
Control Electronics
Control Electronics
The standardized electronic systems that manage Power Unit operation, energy recovery, and deployment strategies.
Fuel and Lubricants
Sustainable Fuel
Sustainable Fuel
Fuel that meets FIA environmental sustainability criteria, composed of second-generation biofuels and/or synthetic fuels (e-fuels) with significantly reduced lifecycle carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Aerodynamic Terminology
Flow Conditioning
Aerodynamic Influence
Aerodynamic Influence
The effect of airflow modification by any part of the car on the performance of other parts, particularly regarding downforce generation and drag.
Outwash
Outwash
Aerodynamic designs that direct airflow laterally away from the car’s centerline, subject to specific restrictions under the regulations.
Downforce
Downforce
The vertical aerodynamic force pressing the car toward the track surface, enhancing tire grip and cornering performance.
Bodywork Zones
Regulation Bodywork
Bodywork required to be present by the regulations and subject to strict dimensional requirements.
Non-Regulation Bodywork
Bodywork not required by regulations but permitted within defined volumes and subject to specific restrictions.
Primary Structure
Load-bearing components essential to chassis integrity and driver safety.
Secondary Structure
Components that support bodywork or accessories but are not primary load-bearing structures.
Electronic Systems
Standard Electronic Control Unit (SECU)
Standard Electronic Control Unit (SECU)
The mandated electronic control system supplied by the FIA-designated supplier, controlling all critical car systems including Power Unit, energy management, and safety systems.
Telemetry
Telemetry
The wireless transmission of data from the car to the team during sessions. Subject to strict regulations regarding data types, transmission protocols, and usage.
Software
Software
All computer code executing on car electronic systems. Control software is strictly regulated, with teams permitted to modify only specific, defined parameters.
Testing and Compliance
Test Procedures
Compliance Test
Compliance Test
A standardized procedure performed by the FIA to verify that a component or system meets regulatory requirements. Test procedures are detailed in Technical Directives.
Destructive Test
Destructive Test
A test that renders the component unusable afterward, typically used for structural verification of safety-critical components.
Non-Destructive Test
Non-Destructive Test
A test that does not damage the component, allowing it to remain in service after verification.
Measurement Conditions
Scrutineering Conditions
Scrutineering Conditions
The car configuration and environmental conditions under which measurements are taken for regulatory compliance verification.
Race Configuration
Race Configuration
The car setup and condition as it competes during a race, including minimum weight requirements, fuel load, and all required systems operational.
Abbreviations
Common abbreviations used throughout the regulations:| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| FIA | Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile |
| ICE | Internal Combustion Engine |
| MGU-K | Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic |
| MGU-H | Motor Generator Unit - Heat |
| ES | Energy Store |
| SECU | Standard Electronic Control Unit |
| PU | Power Unit |
| TD | Technical Directive |
| ADR | Aerodynamic Development Restriction |
| TJI | Turbulent Jet Ignition |
Additional technical abbreviations and specifications are defined in their respective regulation sections.