Formula 1 races to be shortened next season
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Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in action during the Monaco Grand Prix on June 7.
PHOTO: REUTERS
PARIS – The governing body of motor racing (FIA) on Sept 21 announced Formula 1 rule changes which included shortening grand prix races and putting the brakes on some proposed tinkering with gearboxes.
The FIA’s F1 Commission met in London to confirm reforms for next season.
It decided to cut races from a total of 305km to 290km – a reduction of two or three laps per race.
The FIA and F1 said in separate statements that the cut was an inevitable consequence of an earlier decision to reduce fuel flow in engines.
The body also decided to cancel plans for gearbox “homologation” – or conformity across all cars – to “preserve supplier development freedom”.
The commission also changed the rules on the fixed three-hour limitation of races impacted by rain interruptions “to ensure that the spectators have the best possible chance to enjoy a full race if disruptions occur”.
The FIA statement said the commission has also made changes to this season’s sporting and financial regulations, but offered no details. AFP