F1 officially confirm major change to grands prix for 2027

Formula 1 races will be shortened from 2027, with the FIA confirming that total race distance will be cut from 305km to 290km.

The decision comes following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in London, chaired by FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and FOM President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The change forms part of a wider set of refinements to the power unit regulations coming into force next year, specifically around fuel flow, and translates to races running two or three laps shorter than at present.

Fuel-flow rates are being increased for next season to prevent cars from becoming too energy-starved during races. However, pushing more fuel through the engine also means more is required to complete a full race distance.

This created a headache for teams that had already sized their fuel tanks around the original 2026 power unit specifications and they had no desire to build an entirely new car for 2027.

The governing body also confirmed changes to how races disrupted by rain or other factors will be handled. A hard stop time will now be introduced, marking the end of any racing activity, but the existing three-hour limit on a race, from start to finish including interruptions, will be scrapped.

The two-hour limit on actual racing time will remain in place. The FIA said the changes were designed to give spectators the best possible chance of seeing a full race when disruptions occur.

There will also be greater flexibility to extend free practice sessions if they are interrupted.

Following consultation with the relevant manufacturer working group, and on the recommendation of the Sporting Advisory Committee, the FIA has agreed to remove gearbox homologation from 2027.

The move is intended to preserve development freedom for suppliers. The FIA confirmed there are also minor changes being made to the 2027 technical regulations, although these have yet to be officially announced.