Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Formula 1 is set to return to its usual race distance in 2028, with the FIA confirming that the shorter Grands Prix planned for 2027 will only be a temporary measure. Although races will be reduced from 305 to 290 kilometres next season, the latest regulations already include provisions to reverse the change just one year later.
The confirmation comes from the updated 2027 Sporting Regulations, published by the FIA on 19 October. The document also outlines changes scheduled for 2028, including the restoration of the traditional Grand Prix distance as teams adapt to further adjustments to the power unit rules.
Why Formula 1 is reducing race distances in 2027
The decision to shorten races was approved during the F1 Commission meeting on 21 September. Under the new rules, Grands Prix will cover 290 kilometres rather than the current 305, reducing the number of laps by approximately two or three, depending on the circuit.
The adjustment is a consequence of the changes being made to Formula 1's power units. From 2027, the internal combustion engine will provide a greater share of the total power, while the contribution from the electrical system will be reduced.
ADVERTISEMENT
The current 53:47 split between combustion and electrical power will move to 58:42 next season. The internal combustion engine's maximum output will increase from 400 to 420 kW, while the MGU-K's maximum output will fall from 350 to 300 kW.
Photo: Race Pictures
To accommodate the additional combustion-engine performance, the permitted fuel flow will also increase. This creates a problem for teams, as completing a full-length Grand Prix with higher fuel consumption could require larger fuel tanks.
Introducing those changes for 2027 would mean making substantial modifications to cars that have already been developed around the existing regulations. Increasing fuel tank capacity could require changes to the chassis, adding further costs for the teams.
Reducing the race distance by 15 kilometres provides a solution for next season, allowing the revised power units to be introduced without requiring an immediate redesign of the cars to carry more fuel.
ADVERTISEMENT
FIA reveals when traditional F1 race distances will return
The reduction will not continue beyond 2027 under the regulations currently published by the FIA. Article B2.5.2, included among the changes for 2028, restores the requirement for Grands Prix to cover the minimum number of complete laps exceeding 305 kilometres.
Monaco will remain the exception. The race around the streets of Monte Carlo will continue to have a minimum distance exceeding 260 kilometres, meaning it will not be affected by the temporary reduction introduced elsewhere on the calendar.
The return to longer races will take place alongside another revision to the power unit regulations. From 2028, the balance between combustion and electrical power is set to change to 60:40, with the internal combustion engine taking on an even greater role.
ADVERTISEMENT
Maximum combustion-engine output will increase again, reaching 450 kW, while the permitted fuel flow will also rise further. As a result, teams will need sufficient fuel capacity to complete the longer races while operating under the revised engine regulations.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google