Formula 1 champion Norris backs shorter race distances — Cyprus Mail

In Cyprus, reigning Formula 1 world champion and McLaren driver Lando Norris supported the decision to reduce the standard Grand Prix distance from 305 to 290 kilometres from 2027. He called it a short-term compromise intended to improve on-track racing, Cyprus Mail reports.

Formula 1 Commission decision

The Formula 1 Commission of the International Automobile Federation, FIA, agreed to change the distance on Monday. Standard races are expected to become shorter by two or three laps.

The change is intended to help drivers finish races without the risk of running out of fuel, as the fuel flow rate permitted by the rules will increase. Norris said this would make it possible to rely more on driving the car rather than on the ability to preserve battery charge most effectively.

The 26-year-old Briton also suggested that Formula 1 could return to longer races in a few years, when all engine manufacturers have more fuel and larger fuel tanks.

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Changes to power units

Next season, the permitted fuel flow rate is set to increase by 5%. This is part of a revision to the balance of power between the internal combustion engine and the electric unit, from the current 53% and 47% to 58% and 42%, respectively.

In 2028, the fuel flow rate is planned to increase by a further 13%, while the power shares are to be 60% for the internal combustion engine and 40% for the electric unit. The changes are intended to allow drivers to run at maximum pace more often and manage energy consumption less, following complaints about the artificial nature of modern racing.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen said he would agree to shorter races if this improved the racing. At the same time, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton opposed reducing the distance, stressing the physical and psychological difficulty of Formula 1, particularly at hot events.