Norris describes reducing the distance of Formula 1 races as a good compromise

World champion and McLaren driver Lando Norris described, on Wednesday, the Formula 1 World Championship's approach to reducing the distance of races next year as a good compromise in the short term to raise the level of excitement in the competitions.

The Formula 1 Council of the International Automobile Federation agreed on Monday to reduce the standard distance for Grand Prix races from 305 kilometers to 290 kilometers, starting in 2027, reducing races by two or three laps.

This step aims to ensure that drivers reach the end of the races without running out of fuel, in light of the trend to increase the fuel flow rate next year.

British driver Norris told reporters: “It is a good compromise that we need to reach to make our sport better and rely more on driving instead of focusing on who can maintain the battery best.”

The 26-year-old added: “I think that in a few years, when all the engine manufacturers agree to fill more fuel again and use a larger tank and all that, we will be able to return to the longer races and the normal races that we have always had in (Formula 1).”

The fuel flow rate allowed under the laws will increase by five percent in the coming season, as part of rebalancing the distribution of power between the internal combustion engine and the electric power engine to a ratio of 58-42 compared to current years’ 53-47 percent.

The rate will rise again by 13 percent in 2028, bringing the distribution between the combustion engine and the electric motor to 40-60 percent.

The move aims to allow drivers to drive at full speed for longer periods, while reducing reliance on energy management, after widespread complaints that racing has become more artificial.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver and four-time world champion and one of the most prominent critics of the championship's current hybrid engine rules, which combine gasoline engines and electric power systems, said reducing the race distance would be worth it if it improved its quality.

“I mean, I'm willing to drive 50 percent less if it gives me a better engine to drive,” the Dutch driver joked. But I don't see it as a big problem. “If we had to reduce the distance a little bit for the sake of fuel consumption and to provide a better racing experience overall, I think everyone would accept that.”

On the other hand, Ferrari driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton opposed this move.

The 41-year-old driver said: “This is supposed to be the most demanding sport, both physically and mentally, and there are some (races) that are held in very hot conditions and push you to your limits.”

“But this is the situation in which you want to see athletes at their maximum performance,” he added.