Formula 1 agrees shorter races from 2027 as power-unit rules change
The FIA's Formula One Commission has agreed to cut the standard Grand Prix distance from 305km to 290km from 2027 — roughly two or three laps — alongside changes to the race time limit, practice rules and gearbox regulations.
Grand Prix races will be shorter from next season after the FIA’s Formula One Commission agreed on Monday to cut the standard race distance from 305km to 290km, trimming roughly two or three laps, Reuters reported.
The decision was taken at the commission’s meeting at the FIA’s London offices on 21 September. It still needs formal approval from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, which is expected to be a formality.
The move is tied to refinements to the 2027 power-unit regulations on fuel flow. From next year, internal combustion engine output rises to 420kW while the MGU-K is capped at 300kW — 350kW in overtake mode — with fuel flow increased by five per cent, Autosport reported. Rather than force teams to enlarge fuel tanks and rework chassis at considerable cost, the FIA and Formula One Management chose to shorten races to reduce the risk of drivers running out of fuel.
The commission also agreed to scrap the current three-hour maximum window for a Grand Prix from start to finish, including interruptions, while keeping the two-hour limit on actual racing. A hard stop time will instead be introduced for racing disrupted by rain or other factors, Crash.net reported.
Race directors will also get greater flexibility to extend interrupted free-practice sessions, and gearbox homologation will be removed for 2027 to preserve development freedom for suppliers.
The FIA said the changes were introduced “to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur”.
Sources
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