F1 approves shorter 290km grands prix for 2027 in fuel-rule compromise

News Summary

Standard F1 race distances will fall from 305km to approximately 290km in 2027.
The reduction compensates for higher fuel consumption under revised power-unit regulations.
F1 will retain its two-hour racing limit but replace the overall three-hour restriction with event-specific hard stops.

Formula 1 has approved plans to reduce standard Grand Prix distances from 305km to 290km for the 2027 season.

The proposal received the support of the F1 Commission on Monday and is expected to remove approximately two or three laps from most races. It must now be formally incorporated into the regulations through the FIA World Motor Sport Council process.

All 11 teams had already agreed to the shorter race-distance proposal earlier in September. The latest decision moves the change beyond the team-consultation stage and towards implementation.

Monaco, which already uses a reduced distance of approximately 260km because of its slower street layout, will remain the exception.

Shorter races are linked to F1’s engine correction

The change is not primarily an attempt to shorten broadcasts or reshape the entertainment product. It is a technical compromise created by F1’s revised power-unit rules.

From 2027, fuel flow will increase by 5%, while the maximum internal-combustion output will rise from 400kW to 420kW. Electrical deployment will be reduced as F1 moves away from the heavily criticised power balance introduced in 2026.

The adjustments are intended to reduce energy management and allow drivers to run more consistently at full speed. However, the additional combustion power increases fuel consumption.

Several teams designed their current chassis and fuel tanks around the original 2026 requirements and did not want to construct substantially revised cars after only one season. Reducing each Grand Prix by approximately 15km limits the additional fuel capacity required.

A selective reduction at individual circuits had initially been considered, but teams feared that different distances could create fuel-saving races at certain venues. A universal 290km standard was therefore preferred.

F1 changes rules for rain-interrupted races

The Commission also agreed to remove the existing three-hour limit covering a race and any interruptions. The two-hour restriction on actual racing time will remain.

Instead, each event will receive a predetermined hard-stop time. This will give race control greater flexibility to restart events delayed by heavy rain, barrier repairs or other lengthy interruptions without creating an open-ended schedule.

Free practice sessions will also be allowed greater flexibility if interrupted, increasing the possibility of extending running after red flags or comparable delays.

Another approved change removes gearbox homologation for 2027. Suppliers will retain the freedom to develop their transmissions rather than being required to freeze an initial specification.

The shorter races form part of a wider restructuring for 2027. F1 has already confirmed a 24-round calendar featuring a record 10 Sprint weekends, including Monaco’s first Sprint event.

The championship will therefore stage more competitive sessions across the season while reducing each conventional Grand Prix by around 5%. The first 290km race is scheduled for Bahrain on March 14, 2027.

GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every regulatory development through its Formula 1 coverage.

F1 today: FAQ

When is the next Formula 1 race?

The next race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit on Saturday, 26 September.

Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix being held on Saturday?

The race was moved forward to avoid Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on Sunday, 27 September. Practice begins on Thursday, with qualifying on Friday and the Grand Prix on Saturday.

Who leads the 2026 Formula 1 championship?

Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 292 points. Mercedes teammate George Russell is second on 211, leaving Antonelli 81 points ahead with nine rounds remaining.