Following a meeting of the F1 Commission in London on Monday, 2027 races will be shorter, along with other tweaks to the regulations.
As there will be changes to the fuel flow next year, race distances will be cut by two or three laps, depending on the circuit.
For Free Practice sessions, the Race Director has given more flexibility to extend them should lengthy stoppages occur. In FP3 at Madrid, Lewis Hamilton’s relatively innocuous crash saw the barrier get moved into an awkward position, meaning there was a sizeable delay in the final session ahead of qualifying.
Changes have been made to the regulations regarding wet races, giving the Race Director more time to restart a race should it be stopped due to extreme conditions. A two-hour racing limit remains, however.
FIA statement on the 2027 F1 Regulatory changes, including shorter races
“In line with the refinements to the Power Unit regulations to be introduced in 2027 on fuel flow, a reduction in the total race distance from 305km to 290km was approved, corresponding to a reduction of two or three laps.
“Regarding races that are disrupted by rain or other factors, it was decided that a hard stop time would be introduced for the end of any racing activity, but that the current limitation of a race to three hours (from its start to its end – including interruptions) would be removed. The limit of two hours of actual racing will remain.
“These changes were introduced to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur.
“It was also agreed that there would be greater flexibility to extend Free Practice sessions should they be interrupted.
“Following consultation with the relevant manufacturer working group, and a recommendation from the Sporting Advisory Committee, it was agreed to remove gearbox homologation for 2027 which would preserve supplier development freedom.
“There are also minor changes to the 2027 Technical Regulations.”
