Formula 1 races to be shorter in 2027
The FIA has cut the proposed race distance from 305 to 290 kilometres.
Formula 1 races are likely to be two to three laps shorter from 2027. The change is linked to new rules governing the balance between the combustion engine and electric power.
The Formula 1 Commission agreed on Monday to reduce the total race distance from 305 to 290 kilometres. According to the FIA, that amounts to two or three fewer laps per Grand Prix. The change is not yet final: all amendments must be formally approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
The shorter races are linked to changes to the powertrain for 2027. The FIA wants to adjust the fuel-flow rules, giving the combustion engine a greater role alongside the electric system. The technical regulations for the cars are largely fixed, making a shorter race distance one way of absorbing the extra fuel consumption.
The background lies in the new generation of Formula 1 cars. In 2026, the electric part of the hybrid powertrain became much more important. As a result, drivers had to manage energy in a different way. The FIA and the teams have already discussed changes during the season to make the cars easier to handle and the races more attractive.
The race distance will not be the same for every Grand Prix. Monaco is an exception, as that race already has a shorter distance than the standard length. The FIA also refers to new rules for races interrupted by rain or other circumstances. There will be a hard end time for racing, while the existing limit of two hours of actual racing time will remain.
According to the decision, the general three-hour limit for the total duration of a race, including interruptions, will be scrapped. The FIA wants to prevent long neutralisations from causing a race to end before the public has seen as much as possible of the planned programme. Practice sessions may also be extended more flexibly after an interruption.
The change shows how closely sporting and technical decisions in Formula 1 are interconnected. A change to the engine affects fuel consumption, race distance and strategy. Until the World Motor Sport Council has ratified the decisions, the precise regulations for 2027 remain formally under consideration.
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The key details come directly from the FIA decision and are substantively confirmed by NOS. The formal status as a proposal is clearly stated in the article.
- confirmed The FIA has reduced the standard race distance for 2027 from 305 to 290 kilometres. — This is stated in the Formula 1 Commission’s statement. source
- confirmed The change generally means two or three fewer laps. — The FIA explicitly mentions this in its statement. source
- confirmed The change is linked to adjustments to fuel flow and the powertrain. — The FIA links the distance reduction to the Power Unit regulations; NOS explains the greater role of the combustion engine. source
- confirmed The changes still need to be approved by the World Motor Sport Council. — The FIA lists this as a condition. source
Editor's note
The FIA has reported the race distance and additional race regulations. The changes remain subject to formal approval by the World Motor Sport Council.Sources
- Formula 1 Commission Meeting 21.09.26 – Media Statement — Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
- Formule 1-races korter in 2027 — NOS
- F1-proposals agreed in principle for further evolutionary changes — Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „formule 1”
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- De Telegraaf — „formule 1”