Baku, Azerbaijan – McLaren’s reigning world champion Lando Norris on Wednesday described Formula One’s move to shorten races next year as a good, short-term compromise that would improve the racing action. The governing FIA’s Formula One commission on Monday agreed to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305 kilometers to 290 from 2027, cutting races by two or three laps. The move is aimed at ensuring drivers make it to the end of races without running out of fuel, with the fuel flow rate set to increase next year.
The fuel flow rate permitted by the rules will increase by 5% next season, as part of a rebalancing of the split between combustion engine and electric power to 58-42 from the current 53-47. It will increase again by 13% in 2028, with the combustion engine-electric power split rising to 60-40. The move is aimed at allowing for more flat-out driving and less energy management after widespread complaints about the racing having become more artificial.
Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen, a vocal critic of the sport’s current hybrid rules, said shortening the race distance would be worth it if it made the racing better. If we have to shorten it a little bit for the fuel consumption but for overall a better racing experience then I think everyone will take it.” Ferrari rival and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, however, opposed the move.
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