Formula 1 Commission approves cutting race distance to 290 km from 2027

Distance cut to 290 kilometres

The Formula 1 Commission agreed on Monday in London to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305 kilometres (189.5 miles) to 290 kilometres (180.2 miles) starting in the 2027 season. Co-chaired by FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali, the third commission meeting of 2026 approved the 15-kilometre reduction, which cuts race lengths by two to three laps depending on circuit layout. The 305-kilometre standard has governed Grand Prix distance calculations since 1989, determining the minimum lap count required to exceed that threshold, while the Monaco Grand Prix has remained an exception due to its unique track characteristics. Rulemakers initially considered shortening race distances only at specific circuits where fuel demands proved highest. The FIA, Formula 1, and participating teams ultimately resolved to apply a uniform 290-kilometre distance across all events on the calendar to avoid fragmented operational requirements between race weekends.

Engine power revisions drive distance reduction

The shortened race distance accommodates mechanical adjustments to power unit regulations planned for 2027 following evaluation of the engine generation introduced in 2026. Formula 1 regulations will alter the balance between combustion and electrical output to reduce energy clipping and recovery demands during racing. Internal combustion engine power will increase to 420 kW supported by a 5% increase in fuel flow, while the maximum output of the kinetic motor generator unit (MGU-K) drops to 300 kW, remaining at 350 kW only during overtake mode. The overall power ratio between internal combustion and electrical systems will move from 53-47 in 2026 to 58-42 in 2027, ahead of a planned 60-40 split in 2028. Because fuel tanks are integrated directly inside car chassis, several teams planning to carry 2026 chassis forward into 2027 to control manufacturing costs faced fuel volume shortages under the higher combustion rate. Shortening the total distance eliminates the requirement for teams to construct newly expanded chassis and fuel cells for 2027.

Revised rules for race stoppages

The commission also approved new operational timing rules for races interrupted by severe weather, red flags, or track incidents. Under the new framework, the existing regulation enforcing a strict three-hour maximum window from the official start to the conclusion of an event will be eliminated. The two-hour ceiling on active green-flag racing will stay in place, but disrupted races will instead be governed by a designated hard stop time tailored to each circuit. This hard stop will reflect local venue conditions, allowing greater scheduling latitude for night races while accounting for sunset and fading natural light at daytime events.

These changes were introduced to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur.

Free practice and gearbox rules

The London meeting introduced additional regulatory flexibility for race organizers during earlier phases of Grand Prix weekends. Organizers will hold the authority to extend free practice sessions when red flags interrupt running, replacing previous rules where session countdown clocks ran continuously without stopping during track clearing operations. The commission further decided to eliminate mandatory gearbox homologation for 2027 following consultations with the power unit manufacturer working group and a formal recommendation from the Sporting Advisory Committee, preserving technical development freedom for gearbox suppliers. Commission delegates also approved minor refinements to the 2026 sporting and financial regulations alongside technical adjustments for 2027. In 2028, power unit rules will undergo further changes, with internal combustion output projected to reach 450 kW on a 13% fuel flow increase. All measures agreed by the commission await final ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.