F1 Teams Back Shorter Grand Prix Races as FIA Pushes for 2027… read more 👇 details in the comments section
Formula 1 teams have reportedly agreed to support major adjustments to race weekends from 2027 onward, including the possibility of shorter grands prix, as the FIA looks to resolve growing concerns surrounding the sport’s new power unit regulations.
The discussion comes after widespread criticism of the 2026 engine rules, which introduced a 50/50 split between electrical power and the traditional internal combustion engine. While the new regulations were designed to improve efficiency and sustainability, several teams and drivers have expressed fears that the changes could negatively affect racing quality, fuel usage, and even safety.
Following a meeting after the Miami Grand Prix earlier this season, team bosses began exploring ways to modify the rules before the problems become more severe. One of the leading proposals would reduce the dependence on electric power and shift the balance closer to a 60/40 split in favor of the combustion engine from the 2027 campaign onward.
The move is seen as a response to increasing concerns from across the paddock. Drivers have complained that the current regulations place too much emphasis on battery energy, potentially leading to awkward racing situations where cars are forced to conserve power instead of pushing flat-out. Critics also fear that the heavier reliance on electrical systems could create dangerous speed differences between cars during races.
Among the most outspoken critics has been four-time world champion , who has repeatedly questioned the direction Formula 1 is taking with its future regulations. Reports in Dutch media even suggested the Red Bull star had considered walking away from the sport because of frustrations over the new rules package.
Now, however, the FIA and the teams appear determined to find a compromise before the situation escalates further.
According to reports from the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal, Formula 1 officials, the FIA, and all 11 teams met to continue discussions over a revised package of measures for the coming seasons. The talks reportedly focused on making the new engines more practical while preserving the competitive nature of the sport.
Although the FIA already introduced a small technical adjustment during the Miami Grand Prix weekend to improve the racing spectacle, insiders say that was only the first step in a wider plan.
The proposed shift toward a 60/40 power split would increase the importance of the combustion engine once again. However, that solution creates another problem — greater fuel consumption.
If teams are required to use more fuel, larger fuel tanks may become necessary. Many current chassis designs were built specifically around the original 2026 regulations, meaning they may not have enough capacity to handle the extra fuel required for full race distances.
Under Formula 1’s strict cost cap rules, redesigning an entirely new chassis only one year into a fresh regulations cycle would place enormous financial strain on teams. Smaller teams in particular would struggle with the additional expense.
Instead of forcing every constructor to produce brand-new cars, the FIA is reportedly considering a more flexible alternative: reducing the length of certain grands prix by one or two laps at circuits where fuel consumption is especially high.
The proposal would allow teams to continue using their existing chassis without needing expensive redesigns. At the same time, race distances would remain close to Formula 1’s traditional 305-kilometer target.
Another idea being discussed involves reducing the number of laps completed before the race officially begins. Normally, drivers complete multiple laps from the pit lane to the starting grid, but the new proposal could limit this process to just a single lap in order to save fuel.
The FIA believes these small changes could help maintain competitive racing while avoiding unnecessary spending during the early years of the new engine era.
confirmed during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend that team principals had broadly agreed to support the measures if needed.
According to Permane, teams are open to shortening selected races only in situations where fuel limitations become a genuine issue. He explained that the goal is not to fundamentally alter Formula 1 race weekends, but rather to provide a practical solution that keeps the championship running smoothly during the transition to the revised power units.
The Racing Bulls boss also emphasized that any reduction in race distance would likely be minimal, with only one or two laps removed from events where absolutely necessary.
For now, discussions remain ongoing, and the FIA still needs to finalize the technical details before any official rule changes are introduced. However, the growing agreement between teams suggests Formula 1 is prepared to adapt quickly if the new regulations fail to deliver the kind of racing fans and drivers expect.
With concerns continuing to grow around fuel management, battery deployment, and overall race quality, the coming months could prove crucial in shaping the future of Formula 1’s next generation of cars.