FORMULA 1 RACES SET TO BE SHORTER FROM 2027
Formula 1 teams have agreed to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305 km to 290 km from the 2027 season. The change is linked to the power-unit rules, which will allow more power from the combustion engine. The aim is to avoid making the fuel tanks larger to cover the extra fuel use
The decision comes from a problem that appeared with the 2026 power units. The new regulations put a much larger share of the power on the electric side, but teams found that energy management could become too restrictive during races. The FIA, Formula 1, teams and engine manufacturers agreed in June to rebalance the power units for 2027 and 2028
For 2027, the combustion engine’s maximum power will rise from 400 kW to 420 kW. The MGU-K’s maximum power will fall from 350 kW to 300 kW, while its maximum energy recovery will increase from 350 kW to 375 kW. The changes are designed to give the combustion engine a larger role while keeping the hybrid system important.
The higher fuel flow is the main reason behind the shorter races. More fuel going through the engine means more fuel is needed to complete a full Grand Prix. Teams had already designed their 2026 cars around the original fuel-tank requirements, so increasing tank capacity would have meant expensive changes to the chassis and its internal packaging.
The new plan is expected to reduce most races by around two to three laps. This also avoids having different race distances for different circuits, which could create situations where drivers spend too much time saving fuel instead of racing.
The shorter distance should also help drivers use more of the available power during the race. With less fuel to carry and less need to save energy, the 2027 cars are expected to be faster over a full race distance than the current generation. However, the actual performance will depend on how each team develops its car and power unit.
Monaco is the exception to the standard 305 km rule. The race already covers 260.286 km over 78 laps, so it is not part of the same reduction. The latest reports also indicate that Monaco is expected to remain unchanged.
The change is part of a wider effort to make the 2027 power units easier to manage. The FIA has also approved more flexibility in energy deployment and increased pre-season testing from three to four days, giving teams more time to prepare for the revised regulations.
The teams’ agreement still needs to be reflected in the sporting regulations, but the FIA has already approved the wider 2027 and 2028 power-unit changes. Formula 1 will therefore enter 2027 with shorter races, more combustion-engine power and a different balance between the electric and combustion systems.
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