Formula 1 has confirmed that grands prix will be slightly shortened in 2027, as a reaction to the new engine regulations.
Under the new engine regulations, there is a current distribution of around 53/47 between internal combustion engine power and electrical energy.
But after widespread criticism from drivers that will in 2027 be amended to 58/42, before reaching 60/40 for 2028.
By the time those changes were approved, teams had either begun designing 2027 cars or had committed to carrying over chassis and were consequently reluctant to embark on a fuel tank redesign, citing increased costs, as well as increased weight.
A compromise was reached whereby, to abide by the fuel flow regulations, grand prix distances would be slightly shortened, from 305 km to 290 km (about 190 miles to 180 miles).
That change was rubber-stamped by Formula 1’s Commission on Monday.
It means race distances will be reduced by between two and four laps across the 2027 season.
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Monaco remains the exception as its distance has historically been set at 260 km (162 miles) owing to its slow average speed.
Time limits regarding interrupted grands prix were also amended from 2027.
Formula 1 races run to a two-hour limit of on-track action though this is within an overall time limit of three hours, once race stoppages—for barrier repairs or wet weather—are taken into account.
The three-hour hard stop time limit has now been removed in order to “ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur,” though the two-hour limit of actual racing remains in place.
U.K.-based Phillip Horton started covering Grands Prix while still at university and swiftly deemed that writing about Formula 1 and the behind-the-scenes machinations was much more engaging than reading centuries-old novels. Degree gained, he went on to cover the sport full-time from 2014 and is as intrigued and excited by the destinations Formula 1 visits during its lengthy annual world tour as the racing itself. Phillip joined Autoweek in 2021 and while he has just about learned to spell in American English he has yet to find anywhere in America that makes a proper cup of tea.