F1 approves shorter grands prix for 2027

F1 has formally approved plans to shorten grands prix in 2027, with the F1 Commission agreeing to cut race distance from 305km to 290km. The move avoids forcing teams to enlarge fuel tanks under next season's revised power unit regulations, saving valuable cost cap budget for performance development.

Why it matters:

The 2027 power unit formula shifts away from the initial 50/50 ICE-electrical split toward 58/42 in favor of the internal combustion engine. That means higher fuel flow rates — and more fuel burned over a full race distance. Rather than have teams spend precious cost cap dollars on bigger tanks, the FIA and teams agreed to trim the racing distance instead.

The details:

• The reduction equates to roughly two to three fewer laps at every circuit, except Monaco, which already runs a season-low 260km.
• The ICE-electrical split steps further to 60/40 in 2028, continuing the trend toward combustion power.
• The change still requires formal sign-off from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, but that's expected to be a formality at its October 15 virtual meeting.

The big picture:

The F1 Commission also approved several other regulation tweaks:

• The three-hour total time limit for races halted by stoppages has been removed, keeping the two-hour racing limit while improving the chances of completing a full race after disruptions.
• Free practice sessions can now be extended more easily if interrupted.
• Gearbox homologation for 2027 has been scrapped, giving manufacturers — including first-time power unit builder Aston Martin — freedom to evolve their designs.
• Minor changes to the 2027 technical regulations were also agreed, though specifics remain under wraps.

What's next:

Once the WMSC formally ratifies the decision on October 15, teams can finalize 2027 car designs around a 290km race distance. The shorter races also ease the workload on power units — a small but welcome buffer as F1 enters a new engine era.