Formula 1 is considering shortening the length of selected grands prix next season as a direct consequence of proposed changes to the engine regulations.
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Grand prix distances have been consistent for decades: nearly every round runs to a minimum distance of 305 kilometres, with Monaco remaining an exception at 260km because of its unique layout.
That uniformity could change after plans to alter the current ’50-50’ split between combustion and electric power in the power unit next year. Under the proposal, the balance would shift to approximately 60-40 in favour of the internal combustion engine, increasing the combustion engine’s contribution to overall power.
That rebalancing would raise fuel consumption and in turn require larger fuel tanks for the races where consumption is highest. Some teams, however, had planned to carry over existing chassis into the next season, and those chassis might not have enough room for a bigger tank without significant modification.
To prevent forcing teams into costly redesigns, one option being discussed is selectively shortening certain races where fuel use is greatest.
“I think that’s a very straightforward one,” said Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane. “On the chassis side, we have already spoken and come to an agreement, certainly at team principal level, that if anyone wanted to carry their chassis over and that wasn’t quite big enough to do the 310K [sic] race, we would look at selective races and — of course only where absolutely necessary — shorten them by maybe one or two laps [and] limiting [pre-race] laps to grid to one.
“So of course maximising any potential race length, but that’s already in place and ready to go.”
McLaren’s team principal added that rule changes such as reducing race distances are “enablers that are part of this proposal that make this proposal achievable.” He said the move away from the originally promoted ’50-50’ split in F1’s 2026 rules is a pragmatic step for the sport.
“It is a proposal, the 60-40, that is for the good of the sport. I think there’s a general interest that prevails over the particular interest, and this is an important opportunity for the F1 community to make sure that the sport is in a strong position. So we do hope that this process will be successful.”
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