Formula 1 grands prix will be shortened from 305km to 290km starting in 2027 as the series adjusts the balance between electrical and internal-combustion power. The change, proposed to teams via email last week, received broad agreement but awaits ratification by the World Motorsport Council. Monaco, currently capped at 260km, is also likely to be shortened.

The move addresses widespread criticism of the 2026 technical regulations, where electrical and combustion power contribute equally. Drivers dislike the counter-intuitive driving style required to constantly harvest and deploy electrical energy, and the 'yo-yo' racing from varying battery states has proven unpopular. While stakeholders agreed to shift to a 60:40 combustion-favored ratio in 2028, an interim 58:42 split will apply in 2027.

Increased fuel flow is needed for greater combustion contribution, requiring more fuel capacity or shorter races. Teams initially considered shortening only fuel-critical events, but uniform reduction was chosen to avoid recurring negative attention during specific weekends. The commercial rights holder favored this approach to limit exposure of regulatory criticism.

Race distance reductions have historical precedent: in 1958, maximum lengths were cut from 500km to 300km alongside a ban on alcohol-based fuels.