F1 officially shortens Grand Prix distance and drops three-hour rule from 2027

Formula 1 has confirmed a major break with tradition: from 2027, Grands Prix will be shorter. The F1 Commission decided in London to cut the minimum race distance from 305 kilometers to 290 kilometers, shaving off roughly two to three laps depending on the circuit. The three-hour race limit will also be removed, making way for a fixed end time for each Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

The change is closely linked to the next generation of power units. In 2027, fuel flow rates will be increased so the internal combustion engine carries more of the load relative to the hybrid side. Reducing the race distance helps teams stay within the available fuel load. The tweak also reflects F1's push to make races more fan-friendly, especially after long red-flag stoppages.

The details:

• The minimum distance drops from 305 km to 290 km, the first fundamental change since the 1980s. Monaco remains the existing exception due to its unique layout.
• The three-hour limit is gone. Each Grand Prix will instead have a defined end time, while the existing cap of two hours of actual racing time, excluding stoppages, stays in place.
• Practice sessions gain more flexibility: if a red flag interrupts a session, the clock will no longer simply keep running. Sessions can be extended after longer delays.
• Gearbox homologation is being scrapped, giving manufacturers more development freedom.

What's next:

The F1 Commission's proposals still need formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. If confirmed, the shorter distance and new time structure will be visible changes for fans, ending a 305km tradition that has been a cornerstone of the sport since the 1980s.