Races will lose two or three laps
Formula 1 grands prix are set to become shorter from the 2027 season after the sport’s decision-makers approved a reduction in the standard race distance.
Most races currently cover slightly more than 305 kilometres. Under the proposed regulations, that figure will fall to 290 kilometres, normally removing two or three laps depending on the length of the circuit.
The change was approved at a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in London on September 21, chaired by FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula One Management president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali.
TV 2 Sport reports that the shorter format will apply from next season. The commission’s decisions must still receive formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council before being written into the regulations.
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New engines created a fuel dilemma
The reduction is linked to further adjustments to Formula 1’s new power units. The engines introduced in 2026 placed far greater emphasis on electrical power, with an approximately even division between the electric and combustion elements.
That balance has attracted criticism during the first season of the regulations. The sport has therefore agreed to modify the power-unit rules, including changes to fuel flow that will increase the combustion engine’s contribution.
The adjustment comes with a consequence. Greater use of the combustion engine means the cars will consume more fuel, while their existing chassis do not provide space for significantly larger fuel tanks. Producing redesigned chassis solely to accommodate more fuel would also create additional costs for the teams.
Rather than forcing every manufacturer to rebuild its car around a larger tank, Formula 1 has chosen to remove 15 kilometres from the race distance. The Times described the measure as an attempt to prevent cars from running out of fuel under the revised engine rules.
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Rain-affected races also receive new rules
Race distance was not the only subject addressed by the commission. The current three-hour limit, covering both racing and interruptions, will be removed for events affected by rain or other delays.
A fixed deadline for the end of all track activity will be introduced instead, while the limit of two hours of actual racing will remain. The aim is to create more flexibility and give spectators a better chance of seeing a complete race after a lengthy suspension.
The commission also abandoned plans to homologate gearboxes in 2027, preserving greater freedom for suppliers to develop their equipment. According to the FIA’s official statement, practice sessions may also be extended more freely when they are interrupted.
If ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, the reduced distance will represent a noticeable change to the traditional grand prix format and place greater importance on every lap from 2027.
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