F1 reduces maximum distance of races by 15km

Formula 1 has announced the maximum race distance for grands prix will be reduced by 15km from 305km (189.5 miles) to 290km (180.2 miles) for the 2027 season.

Grands prix are limited to a maximum of two hours of racing, but when there are interruptions caused by rain or accidents, a "hard stop time" will replace the current maximum three-hour duration to finish the event.

This will allow for greater flexibility to complete disrupted races.

A statement from governing body the FIA said: "These changes were introduced to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur."

The hard stop time will vary from race to race, depending on local conditions.

At night races, for example, there will be more flexibility to allow the race to run later than at a daytime race when there is a relatively early sunset.

The reduction in race distance has been introduced because the ratio of internal combustion to electrical power is changing from 53-47 this year to 58-42 next year, before becoming 60-40 in 2028.

This means that the cars will use more fuel, and that became a concern when it emerged that some teams wanted to carry their chassis over into next year to save money.

As the fuel tank is within the chassis and therefore its size could not be changed, this meant those teams might not have been able to finish grands prix with their existing fuel tanks.

Another change agreed at a meeting of the F1 Commission, a rule-making body composed of the teams, the FIA and commercial rights holder F1, was to introduce "greater flexibility to extend free practice sessions should they be interrupted".

Under current rules, the clock does not stop in practice sessions in the event of a red flag caused by an incident, unlike in qualifying and races when the competition is suspended.