News summary
- All 11 F1 teams have unanimously backed a proposal to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305 km to around 290 km in 2027.
- The change is linked to increased internal-combustion engine power and fuel flow, which will raise fuel consumption.
- The proposal still needs approval from the F1 Commission and subsequent ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council before becoming part of the sporting regulations.
Formula 1 is set to shorten its Grand Prix distances from the 2027 season after all 11 teams backed a proposal to reduce the standard race distance from 305 km to approximately 290 km.
The agreement, first reported by Italian publication AutoRacer and subsequently reported by other outlets, is aimed at addressing the consequences of changes to the 2027 power-unit regulations. However, the reduction is not yet formally part of the sporting regulations. The proposal must first be approved by the F1 Commission and then ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
The move is directly connected to the evolution of the power units. From 2027, the internal-combustion engine will provide a greater share of the total power, while fuel-flow rates will also be increased to prevent the cars from becoming excessively energy-limited. That combination means more fuel will be required over a full Grand Prix distance.
The original discussions reportedly considered reducing the distance of only certain races by one or two laps. However, varying race distances across the calendar could have created unintended consequences, including the risk of some events becoming fuel-economy contests.
The preferred solution is therefore a uniform reduction across the calendar, with most races expected to run to around 290 km. The change would effectively cut approximately two to three laps from a typical Grand Prix. Monaco would remain an exception, as it already has a special 260 km race-distance limit.
The decision is also intended to avoid forcing teams to make major changes to cars that were designed around the 2026 regulations. Increasing fuel-tank capacity could require modifications to the chassis and internal packaging, adding costs and development work.
Reducing the race distance provides a simpler solution: cars can consume more fuel per kilometer while still completing the Grand Prix without requiring a significant increase in fuel capacity.
The adjustment should also reduce the need for drivers to prioritize fuel saving during races. With a greater share of the power coming from the combustion engine and fewer kilometers to cover, cars should be able to operate closer to their performance potential for longer periods.
The result could be faster average race pace in 2027, even though the total distance covered during each Grand Prix will be shorter.
For now, however, the 290 km figure remains a team-backed proposal rather than a formally ratified regulation. If approved by the F1 Commission and subsequently ratified by the WMSC, it would become part of the 2027 sporting rules.
The 2026 Formula 1 season continues this weekend at Monza, with the Italian GP taking place from September 4-6. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the 13th round of the championship.
FAQ
Have the 290 km races been officially approved?
Not yet. All 11 teams have backed the proposal, but it still needs approval from the F1 Commission and ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Why does F1 want shorter races in 2027?
The change is linked to increased combustion-engine power and higher fuel-flow rates, which are expected to increase fuel consumption. Shorter races would help teams avoid major changes to fuel capacity and car packaging.
Will every Grand Prix be 290 km?
The proposal calls for a standard distance of around 290 km across the calendar, while Monaco would remain at its existing 260 km limit.
