Hamilton hits out at shorter F1 races: 'It makes absolutely no sense'

Lewis Hamilton has questioned F1's decision to shorten Grands Prix from 2027, arguing the sport should push drivers harder, not ask them to race fewer laps.

The FIA confirmed the maximum race distance will drop from 305km to 290km next season, typically removing two or three laps per circuit.

Why it matters:

The change is tied to the evolving power-unit formula, with the combustion-electric split moving from 53-47 this year to 58-42 in 2027. That demands more fuel over the same distance, so F1 trimmed race lengths rather than forcing teams into larger, costlier fuel tanks.

The details:

• Hamilton admitted he was unaware of the reasoning but remains unconvinced, saying races are "physically easier than ever before."
• He highlighted tyre trends: "We have a lot of races where it's only a one stop. It's not particularly challenging."
• He wants drivers pushed to the edge, citing Singapore's heat and Malaysia's return as genuinely demanding events.

Between the lines:

George Russell offered a lighter take, joking about a "slightly earlier bath on Sunday afternoon." He felt Singapore can drag while Monza feels short, but concluded "it doesn't change a lot."

The contrasting views underscore the odd nature of the 2027 tweak. For Hamilton, if F1 is to remain the ultimate test of driver and machine, the answer should be more time at the limit — not less.