The Formula 1 Commission has approved a plan to shorten standard Grand Prix races beginning in 2027, reducing the distance from 305 kilometers to 290 kilometers. The change would remove roughly two or three laps from most races.
The commission reached the agreement during a meeting at the FIA offices in London on Monday. The FIA and Formula 1 said the shorter distance is tied to refinements in the 2027 power unit regulations, particularly changes involving fuel flow.
The package still requires approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council before it becomes final.
Why Formula 1 is reducing race distance
Formula 1 is preparing another adjustment to its power unit framework after the major technical changes introduced for 2026. The shorter race distance is intended to fit the revised fuel flow rules without requiring teams to make costly chassis changes simply to accommodate more fuel.
For fans, the most visible result would be a small reduction in the number of laps. A race that currently runs for 305 kilometers would instead end at 290 kilometers, a decrease of about five percent. The exact lap reduction would depend on the length of each circuit.
The Monaco Grand Prix is already governed by a separate shorter distance because of its low average speed, so its treatment under the final regulations will depend on the approved wording.
New approach for interrupted races
The commission also approved a change to the time rules used when rain, crashes or other delays interrupt an event. Formula 1 plans to remove the current three hour limit that includes stoppages while keeping the two hour limit for actual racing.
A hard stop time would be set for the end of racing activity. The stated goal is to give spectators the best possible chance to see a fuller race after a long interruption. Officials also agreed to allow greater flexibility to extend free practice sessions when those sessions are disrupted.
Gearbox development rules also change
Gearbox homologation is set to be removed for 2027 following consultation with manufacturers and a recommendation from the Sporting Advisory Committee. The FIA said that decision is intended to preserve development freedom for suppliers.
The race distance change will attract the most attention because it alters a familiar part of every Grand Prix weekend. It is not yet the final rule, but approval from the Formula 1 Commission places the proposal one step from formal adoption by the World Motor Sport Council.
*Featured image: Lando Norris driving a McLaren during practice for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. Photograph by Liauzh, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0.*