Formula 1 is shortening races for the first time in decades

The maximum length of all races will be changed from 305 kilometers to 290 kilometers. Motorsport.com by also the Monaco GP, which is 260 kilometers long, is likely to be shortened.

According to the information on the website, the proposal was submitted to the stables last week, and it received wide support. However, the proposal still needs the official approval of the FIA’s World Motor Sports Council, or WMSC. The change was already considered for this season, but it was postponed, as only a few races would have been subject to changes.

The change the background is the engine rules introduced in 2026, which have received a poor reception. Drivers have particularly criticized the driving style that requires constant energy recovery and use, as well as the performance differences caused by the battery charge states.

The goal of F1 is to increase the share of the combustion engine in the total power in the coming years. In 2028, the ratio is set to be 60:40 in favor of the combustion engine. Even before that, the fuel flow of the engines is increased, which also increases fuel consumption.

In practice, the series had two options: increase the amount of fuel transported with the cars or shorten the races. Since the weight of the cars is already a problem for the teams, the series ended up with the latter solution.

Shortening races would not be the first time in F1. In 1958, the maximum length of races was dropped from 500 kilometers to 300 kilometers as part of a wider rule reform.

Mercedes sensation driver Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the World Series.

Cadillac’s Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas is in 22nd place after 12 races. There is only a teammate behind him in the standings Sergio Perez.

The next F1 race will be held in Monza, Italy on Sunday, September 6.