F1 to restore standard race distance in 2028

Formula 1 races will return to a maximum distance of 305km in 2028, reversing a temporary 15km reduction introduced for next season as the sport adjusts to changes in its hybrid engines.

The 2027 limit will be 290km, down from 305km. The change was intended to address fuel-tank constraints at a handful of races where consumption is highest, after some teams considered keeping their existing chassis to save money. Because the fuel tank is built into the chassis, those cars might not have had enough capacity to complete a race as engine power and fuel use changed.

The new hybrid engines, introduced in 2026, have a near-even split between combustion and electrical power. The split is due to shift in two stages to 60-40 by 2028, allowing drivers to use maximum power for longer and increasing fuel consumption.

The FIA’s 2027 regulations, published this week, include a provision restoring the 305km maximum in 2028. Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton had criticised the shorter races, arguing they should remain physically demanding.