F1 to reverse shortened race distance after just one season

Formula 1's shortened grand prix distance will last only one season. The FIA has confirmed that the standard race distance, cut to 290km for 2027, will revert to 305km from 2028 under regulations already published following the latest World Motor Sport Council meeting.

Why it matters:

The shorter distance is a stopgap, not a lasting fix. It buys teams time before they face the bigger chassis and packaging challenge that comes with the final step of the power unit overhaul.

The details:

• The FIA and F1 have agreed to rebalance the power unit split between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor after criticism of the current rules.
• Under 2026 regulations, the split stands at 53/47 in favor of the combustion engine. That shifts to 58/42 in 2027, with a 60/40 ratio targeted for 2028.
• With cars leaning more on the combustion engine, permitted fuel flow is being increased — allowing cars to burn more fuel per race.
• That could force teams to fit larger fuel tanks, requiring chassis changes and extra development cost.
• To avoid those complications for 2027, the race distance is cut from 305km to 290km, removing the need for immediate, far-reaching car changes.
• Monaco remains the exception, with its distance staying at 260km.
• Article B2.5.2 of the newly published 2027 regulations already states the distance returns to 305km in 2028, when the fuel flow limit rises again alongside the 60/40 shift.

What's next:

The rules do not specify how teams will handle the extra fuel requirement from 2028. Whether they solve it through tank design, chassis packaging or other means will become a key technical storyline as the power unit rules reach their final form.