The FIA Formula 1 Commission has formally approved a reduction in the length of Grand Prix races beginning with the 2027 World Championship, according to a Reuters report. The decision follows a series of consultations with teams, drivers and commercial partners, who argued that shorter races would improve the spectacle and make the sport more accessible to new audiences.
Under the new format, each race will be limited to a maximum of 120 minutes – including any stoppage time – or a set number of laps that ensures the total distance does not exceed roughly 300 kilometres, whichever comes first. This is a departure from the current practice where most races run for up to 2 hours plus a one‑hour limit for the total event time. The change is expected to bring the average race duration down to around 90‑100 minutes, aligning F1 more closely with other premier motorsport series.
Team principals welcomed the move, noting that shorter races could reduce tyre wear, lower the risk of strategic over‑complication and keep fans glued to the action from start to finish. Drivers also expressed optimism, saying a tighter window would reward outright pace and reduce the reliance on late‑race fuel‑saving tactics. The Commission’s decision was taken after a detailed review of data from recent sprint events, which have already demonstrated that fans respond positively to condensed formats.
For Indian viewers, the change means a more compact viewing experience. Races that traditionally started around 2 pm local time (IST) will now finish closer to 4 pm, making it easier for fans to catch the entire event without clashing with prime‑time commitments. The races will continue to be streamed live on FanCode, and the shorter duration may encourage broadcasters to schedule additional pre‑ and post‑race analysis shows within the same evening slot.
While the exact lap counts for each circuit will be published by the FIA later this year, the Commission has indicated that iconic tracks such as Monaco and Silverstone will see the most significant reductions, given their historically long lap counts. The move is also seen as a step toward making F1 more sustainable, as fewer laps translate to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions per event.
Source: Reuters
