Formula 1's plan to shorten races in 2027 was agreed at the latest F1 Commission meeting.
Earlier this month, it emerged that teams agreed shortening next season's race distance from 305km to 290km was necessary.
The reason is that fuel flow rates will increase in 2027 as F1 shifts its power unit formula from the original 50/50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical power.
In practice, the split is currently closer to 53-47 in favour of the ICE. With the increased fuel flow rate, that will shift to 58-42 in 2027, then to 60-40 in 2028.
The higher fuel flow rate would have required more fuel to cover the same race distance.
As a result, some teams would have had to enlarge their fuel tanks for 2027, using cost cap money that could be spent elsewhere.
Instead, the teams and the FIA have formally agreed to cut the total race distance, which means two or three fewer laps at every circuit except Monaco, which already runs a season-low 260km.
The change still needs formal approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which next meets virtually on October 15, but that is expected to be a formality.
Other outcomes from the F1 Commission meeting in London, pending final WMSC approval, were “minor changes to the 2026 sporting and financial regulations”.
The three-hour time limit for halted races was also removed. Currently there is a two-hour limit for actual racing, but a rule had said the total time from the start could not exceed three hours if there were stoppages.
These changes aim to increase the chance of a full race being completed even with disruptions.
They also agreed on “greater flexibility to extend free practice sessions should they be interrupted”.
Gearbox homologation for 2027 has been removed, so manufacturers, including first-time builder Aston Martin, will have freedom to improve their designs.
Other minor changes, so far unspecified, were also made to the 2027 technical regulations.
