The FIA has committed to restoring the traditional 305 km Formula 1 Grand Prix distance from 2028, making it clear that the shorter races planned for 2027 should remain a temporary exception rather than become the new standard. The governing body’s objective follows the decision to reduce Grand Prix distances to 290 km next season, a necessary compromise linked to changes in fuel flow, combustion engine performance and the technical limitations facing teams.
The reduction will see most Grands Prix shortened by approximately 15 kilometres in 2027, with races lasting a few laps less than they do under the current regulations. However, the FIA has now signalled its intention to reverse that change after just one season, provided teams can make the necessary adaptations to their cars and fuel tanks.
FIA rejects permanent shorter F1 races after 2027
Formula 1 has been forced to make a practical compromise in response to the changes being introduced to its power unit regulations. In 2027, races will be shortened to allow a higher fuel-flow rate, which will in turn enable the internal combustion engine to deliver more performance.
The adjustment represents the first stage of a wider regulatory transition aimed at achieving a 60-40 balance between combustion and electrical power from 2028, with the internal combustion engine accounting for the larger share of the total output.
However, the relatively short preparation period means Formula 1 teams cannot completely redesign their cars to accommodate larger fuel tanks before the start of next season. Maintaining the traditional race distance while increasing fuel consumption would therefore create an additional technical challenge.
As a result, the 2027 F1 race distance will be reduced from approximately 305 km to 290 km, cutting around 15 kilometres from the standard Grand Prix length. This will generally translate into a small reduction in the number of racing laps.
The decision is therefore primarily a response to the revised engine regulations and the limited time available for teams to modify their cars, rather than an attempt to fundamentally change the traditional Formula 1 race format.
Shorter 2027 F1 races will not become the new standard
Those concerned that the 2027 changes might represent the first step towards permanently shorter Grands Prix can take some reassurance from the FIA’s latest position.
There had been fears that reducing race distances could eventually lead Formula 1 towards a shorter racing format, potentially designed to appeal to younger audiences accustomed to constant highlights, intense action and shorter forms of entertainment.
However, the governing body has made clear that it does not want the 2027 compromise to become a permanent feature of the championship.
During the latest meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, the FIA committed to restoring the traditional 305 km Grand Prix distance as early as 2028.
The objective is to preserve the established format of Formula 1 races while allowing the championship to accommodate the immediate technical demands created by the revised power units.
Why larger fuel tanks will be crucial for F1 in 2028
Although the FIA has established its objective of returning to the standard race distance, achieving that target will also depend on the teams.
For 2028, manufacturers and constructors will need to find sufficient space within their cars to accommodate larger fuel tanks. This will become increasingly important because the permitted fuel-flow rate is set to rise further as Formula 1 completes its transition towards the 60-40 combustion-electric power split.
The higher fuel flow will allow a greater contribution from the internal combustion engine, but it will also increase the amount of fuel required to complete a full Grand Prix distance.
Unlike the relatively limited adjustments planned for 2027, the subsequent regulatory step will therefore require teams to address the practical implications of greater fuel consumption. The power unit changes scheduled for 2027 and 2028 are part of a gradual effort to rebalance electrical and combustion performance after the introduction of the current hybrid regulations.
The FIA’s intention to restore the original race distance consequently creates a clear objective for teams as they develop their future cars. However, the governing body’s commitment will only be fulfilled if constructors can successfully accommodate the additional fuel requirements.
For now, the important development is that the FIA wants the shorter 2027 races to remain a one-season exception. The target is to bring Formula 1 back to its familiar 305 km Grand Prix distance from 2028, rather than allowing the temporary reduction to establish a new long-term standard.
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