F1 to Restore Standard Grand Prix Distances in 2028

Formula 1 will restore the standard 305km maximum race distance in 2028 after temporarily reducing the limit to 290km for the 2027 season under changes linked to the sport’s engine regulations.

The maximum race distance was cut by 15km, from 305km (189.5 miles) to 290km (180.2 miles), to address fuel-consumption concerns arising from the transition to the new power units.

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The issue emerged as teams considered carrying their existing chassis into the 2027 season to reduce costs. Because the fuel tank is integrated into the chassis, teams using designs with smaller tanks could have struggled to complete races at the standard distance as fuel requirements changed.

The reduction is expected to affect only a limited number of races where fuel consumption is particularly high.

The sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), included provisions for restoring the 305km maximum distance in its 2028 regulations, published alongside the 2027 rules.

The adjustment follows criticism of Formula 1’s new hybrid engines, introduced in 2026, which feature a near-equal split between internal combustion and electrical power. The power units have attracted criticism over concerns that the increased emphasis on energy management could reduce the influence of driver skill.

Under the planned changes, the power split will move towards a 60-40 balance by 2028, allowing drivers to deploy maximum power for longer periods.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had previously criticised the decision to shorten race distances, arguing that Formula 1 should continue to test drivers physically and mentally.

“The races should be longer because the races are physically easier than ever before. So shortening, I don’t think, makes much sense,” the Ferrari driver said.

Hamilton added that the sport should challenge drivers to perform at the limits of their physical capabilities, particularly at demanding venues such as Singapore, where high temperatures can make races especially difficult.

“This is supposed to be the sport that’s the most physically demanding – mentally and physically,” he said.

He argued that drivers should be pushed to the limits of their performance, describing that challenge as a fundamental part of Formula 1.

The planned restoration of the standard race distance in 2028 will therefore reverse the temporary reduction introduced for 2027, as the sport continues to adapt its technical regulations and manage costs for competing teams.