FIA returns Formula 1 race distance to 305 kilometres in 2028
Formula 1 will revert to the 305 kilometre race distance in 2028 following a temporary reduction to 290 kilometres in 2027. This change follows shifts in power unit ratios that increase combustion engine reliance and fuel consumption requirements for teams.
Power unit shifts and race lengths
The FIA confirmed that Formula 1 will return to the 305 kilometre standard race distance in 2028. This follows a decision to cut the standard distance to 290 kilometres for the 2027 season. I view this 290 kilometre measure as a temporary stopgap to handle upcoming power unit changes. The 2026 rules provide a split of 53 per cent for the combustion engine and 47 per cent for the electric motor. The split shifts to 58/42 in 2027 and targets 60/40 for 2028. This change means the power units become more reliant on the combustion engine once again. Because the permitted fuel flow also increases to boost output from that side of the unit, cars will burn more fuel during a grand prix. The FIA decided on a 290 kilometre race distance for 2027 to prevent teams from making immediate, far-reaching changes to their chassis to accommodate the higher fuel requirements of the new power units.
| Spec | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combustion % | 53% | 58% | 60% |
| Electric % | 47% | 42% | 40% |
| Race Distance | 305km | 290km | 305km |
WMSC rules and chassis constraints
The FIA wrote the 2028 distance reversion into the 2027 regulations after the latest meeting of the World Motor Sport Council. Article B2.5.2 states that the 305 kilometre distance returns when the combustion engine ratio moves to 60/40. The FIA and Formula 1 agreed to further adjust the balance between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor from 2027, following criticism of the current power unit regulations. To cover the same race distance, teams might need larger fuel tanks that require chassis changes, bringing extra development work and cost with it. I find the decision to use a shorter distance to avoid chassis redesigns a messy way to manage the transition. Monaco remains the exception, as its race distance stays at 260 kilometres. The return to the longer race distance in 2028 raises questions about how teams will handle the extra fuel requirement. The regulation change itself does not confirm which technical solutions will be chosen or what adjustments teams will ultimately make to their chassis. Upcoming races include the United States, Mexico City, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
