Formula 1 will reduce the standard Grand Prix race distance from 305km to 290km in 2027 as part of a series of regulatory changes designed to accommodate revised power-unit requirements and provide greater flexibility during interrupted sessions.
The 15km reduction follows adjustments to the balance between combustion and electrical power. The internal combustion engine’s contribution will increase from 53% in 2026 to 58% in 2027, before reaching 60% in 2028.
The revised power distribution will increase fuel consumption, creating difficulties for teams planning to retain their existing chassis next season to reduce development costs.
Because fuel tanks are integrated into the chassis, their capacity cannot be increased without substantial structural changes. Some teams could therefore struggle to complete races at the current distance with their existing fuel tanks.
Shortening Grands Prix to 290km will address those concerns while allowing teams greater flexibility in their development plans.
The F1 Commission, comprising representatives from the teams, governing body FIA and Formula 1, has also approved changes to race timing regulations.
Grands Prix will retain their maximum of two hours of racing, but the existing three-hour overall limit for completing an interrupted event will be replaced by a race-specific hard stop time.
This will allow organisers to account for local conditions when determining how long a race can continue following delays caused by accidents, heavy rain or other disruptions.
Night races could benefit from later finishing times, while daytime events may face earlier deadlines because of sunset or other local restrictions.
The FIA intends the revised system to increase the likelihood of completing the scheduled racing distance when interruptions occur.
The Commission also agreed to introduce greater flexibility for extending free practice sessions affected by stoppages.
Under the current regulations, the session clock continues running during practice even when a red flag prevents cars from circulating. Qualifying and races operate differently, with their competitive sessions suspended during red-flag interruptions.
The proposed changes will give officials more scope to restore lost practice time when incidents disrupt the running schedule.