Hamilton hits out at shorter F1 races: ‘It makes absolutely no sense’

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Lewis Hamilton has questioned the logic behind Formula 1’s decision to shorten its Grands Prix from 2027, arguing that the sport should be pushing its drivers harder rather than asking them to race for fewer laps.

The FIA confirmed this week that the maximum Grand Prix distance will fall from 305km to 290km next season, typically removing two or three laps depending on the circuit.

The change is linked to the evolving power-unit formula, with the combustion-electric split moving from 53-47 this year to 58-42 in 2027 and 60-40 in 2028.

More fuel will consequently be required to cover the same distance, prompting F1 to trim race lengths rather than forcing teams to accommodate larger fuel tanks and the associated costs.

Hamilton, however, admitted he was not even familiar with the reasoning behind the decision – but, having considered the demands placed on drivers by the current generation of cars, remains unconvinced.

Hamilton wants F1 to go the other way

The seven-time world champion believes the modern Grand Prix has become physically less punishing, particularly with tyre strategies often failing to create the kind of sustained challenge that would justify shorter races.

“I don't really know anything about it or any of the reasons they put it up behind it,” Hamilton told reporters in Baku ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“I think the races should be longer because the races are physically easier than ever before.

“So shortening, I don't think, makes much sense. If you think about this weekend, we have the C3, 4, 5 [tyre compounds] that can pretty much all do the race distance.

“So we have a lot of races where it's only a one stop. It's not particularly challenging.

“There it is challenging, but they're making tyres that just seem to go longer. So for me, there's been many races where I wish we had more laps. It's the opposite that I would be asking for [which] is longer races, to be honest.”

Hamilton's argument goes beyond simply wanting more action. He believes F1 should be testing its drivers at the limits of their physical endurance, particularly at circuits where heat and sustained concentration already make the Grand Prix genuinely demanding.

Read also: FIA confirms shorter F1 races as 2027 rules take shape

“This is supposed to be the sport that's the most physically demanding and mentally, but there are some that are just so hot and, ultimately, you are on the edge,” he added.

“Singapore is incredibly hot and demanding. Malaysia will be crazy this year. But that's where I think you wanna see athletes just right on the edge. Right?

“Right at the edge of their performance, having to actually push their bodies further because that's what this sport is about, pushing the levels and pushing the boundaries.

“So shortening the races makes absolutely no sense to me.”

Russell sees little drama in shorter races

George Russell offered a considerably less dramatic assessment of the change, suggesting that shaving a couple of laps from a Grand Prix will have little meaningful impact on the championship.

The Mercedes driver also pointed out that the value of a shorter race could depend heavily on the circuit, with some events already feeling considerably more demanding than others.

“Slightly earlier bath on Sunday afternoon, I guess,” Russell joked. “I think some races you’ll be thankful. Singapore, when it’s an hour and 50 to two hours long, it does feel too long.

“Then some races like Monza, that’s only an hour and 15 minutes, feel a little bit short. But it doesn’t change a lot.”

The contrasting reactions underline the curious nature of F1’s 2027 adjustment. While the FIA’s reasoning is rooted in the technical and financial consequences of the revised power-unit balance, Hamilton sees the issue through a very different lens.

For him, if Formula 1 wants to preserve its reputation as the ultimate test of driver and machine, the answer to changing technical demands should be more time at the limit — not less.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.