Shorter races a good compromise, says F1 champion Norris

BAKU: McLaren's reigning F1 world champion Lando Norris has stated that Formula One's decision to reduce race distances next year is a positive, short-term compromise. The governing FIA's Formula One commission has agreed to decrease the standard Grand Prix length from 305 km to 290 km, starting in 2027, effectively cutting two or three laps from each race.

This change aims to ensure that drivers reach the end of races without running out of fuel, with the fuel flow rate set to increase next year. Norris, a British driver, believes this is a necessary adjustment to make the sport better, focusing more on driving skills rather than battery management. He also mentioned that once all engine manufacturers adopt larger fuel tanks, they might revert to longer races.

The fuel flow rate authorized by the rules will rise by 5% in 2024, and another 13% increase is planned for 2028, with the combustion engine-electric power split expected to reach 60-40 by then. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a prominent critic of the sport's current hybrid rules, concurred that shortening the race distance would be beneficial if it led to a more enjoyable driving experience.

However, Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and a rival of Ferrari, opposed the move, asserting that the sport should remain physically and mentally demanding, with drivers pushing their limits.