Formula 1 plans return to 305km grands prix in 2028 after shorter 2027 season

Formula 1 plans to restore its standard 305km grand prix distance in 2028, after shortening races to 290km for the 2027 season. The BBC reported on 21 October that the FIA’s newly published rules include a clause reversing the reduction, which was introduced amid concerns about fuel use under revised engine regulations.

The change makes the shorter format a one-season measure for standard grands prix. Grande Prêmio reported that Article B2.5.2 of the proposed 2028 sporting regulations sets a race at the smallest number of complete laps exceeding 305km. It described that provision as proposed; the BBC reported that the FIA had published 2027 rules containing the 2028 reversal.

Why F1 is shortening races in 2027

The BBC said some teams wanted to carry their chassis into 2027 to save money. Because a fuel tank sits within the chassis, those teams could not simply enlarge it to account for greater fuel use. The BBC said the concern applied to a handful of races where consumption is highest.

The engines introduced this year have a near-even split between combustion and electrical power. That balance is due to shift in two steps toward 60% combustion and 40% electrical power by 2028, the BBC reported, allowing drivers to use maximum power for longer while increasing fuel consumption.

Monaco’s separate race distance

Monaco remains an exception to the standard distance. Grande Prêmio reported that its minimum race distance is more than 260km under the proposed 2028 provision. For other grands prix, the 2027 reduction is expected to remove roughly two or three laps, depending on the circuit, the outlet said.

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton had objected to shortening races. ‘The races should be longer because the races are physically easier than ever before,’ he said, according to the BBC. Hamilton argued that demanding events, including the hot Singapore Grand Prix, test drivers at the edge of their physical and mental performance.