Formula 1 races are set to become slightly shorter in 2027 after the F1 Commission agreed to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305km to 290km. The change still requires approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
On Monday an agreement was reached at a meeting in London,, alongside proposed changes to how the sport handles interrupted races and free practice sessions.
The shorter distance would remove approximately two to three laps from each Grand Prix, depending on the circuit.
Shorter Races Linked to Fuel-Flow Changes
The planned reduction is connected to changes to the power-unit regulations for 2027, including increased fuel-flow rates. These adjustments are intended to refine the technical rules introduced at the start of the 2026 season.
“In line with the refinements to the Power Unit regulations to be introduced in 2027 on fuel flow, a reduction in the total race distance from 305km to 290km was approved, corresponding to a reduction of two or three laps,” the FIA said.
Although the F1 Commission has agreed to the shorter distance, the World Motor Sport Council must formally approve it before the change becomes part of the regulations.
‘Hard Stop’ to Replace Three-Hour Race Window
The FIA also outlined a revised approach to races affected by rain or other interruptions.
Under the proposed changes, the existing three-hour limit covering a race from start to finish, including stoppages, would be removed. A race-day “hard stop” would instead set the deadline for all racing activity to end.
The limit of two hours of actual racing would remain unchanged.
The FIA said the aim was “to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur.”
The distinction is important: removing the three-hour window would change how interruptions are accommodated, rather than increase the permitted amount of racing time.
More Flexibility for Interrupted Practice Sessions
Free practice sessions could also receive more flexible treatment when running is interrupted.
The current rules allow practice sessions to be extended on Sprint weekends. The proposed changes would make extensions possible on conventional race weekends too, giving organisers more scope to recover lost track time.
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