The Formula 1 terminology that you wanted to know

We asked you for some F1 terminology that you’d like to know, and here is part 1…

Published

30 JAN 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

Last week, we opened the floor for your F1 terminology questions, and the response has been incredible.

Thousands of fans have already sent in a term they wanted explained, and we loved seeing just how keen you are to learn more about the sport we all love.

This is Part 1 of our fan-led explainer series, kicking off with some of the most-asked questions we received.

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These were comfortably the most requested topics. They’re a big part of what makes the 2026 regulations so different, so it’s completely unsurprising that so many of you want to know what these all mean. Don't worry, we've already detailed how each one works in our A–Z glossary, where they’re covered in full. Click here to discover them.

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Tyre degradation – Lesedi C

Tyre degradation is simply how tyres wear out over time. As they wear, they lose grip, making the car slower and harder to drive. The softer the tyre compound, the quicker your tyre will wear. Managing tyre deg is one of the biggest factors in race strategy – push too hard and you pay for it later.

Energy harvesting – Ana C

Modern-day F1 cars don’t just use fuel; they also recover energy that would otherwise be wasted, mainly during braking. That energy is stored and then reused to give the car extra power later in the lap.

MGU-K – John C

The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic) is the part of the ERS (Energy Recovery System) that does a lot of that energy harvesting. It captures the energy generated under braking and then feeds it back into the car as electrical power, helping with acceleration.

Front and rear lock-ups – Caitlin S

A lock-up happens when a wheel stops rotating under braking and starts sliding instead, causing a flat spot. They are caused when the brakes are applied too hard, or when the tyre has less grip due to wear, temperature or track conditions. Front lock-ups usually send the car straight on, while rear lock-ups can cause the car to spin. Either way, it’s bad for lap time and even worse for the tyres.

Slipstream – Eline vR

Slipstreaming is when a car follows closely behind another to take advantage of the reduced air resistance. Less drag means higher speed, which is why slipstreams are often used to set up overtakes on straights.

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Torque – Zoe B

Torque is a force that helps the car accelerate. More torque means a stronger pull at low speeds – it’s the reason F1 cars can power out of corners so quickly.

Brake bias – Luke A

Brake bias is how braking force is split between the front and rear wheels. Drivers can adjust it during a race to suit conditions, tyre wear or fuel load, helping keep the car stable under braking.

Still have a term that you need explaining? Click here to submit yours.

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