How Long Is A Formula 1 Race?
A Formula 1 race has time and distance requirements that determine the length of a race. Since every track is unique and has different lengths, the FIA has made rules restricting how long a race can last with a specific time and distance that applies to all of the different circuits. Keep reading to learn about the length of a Formula 1 race.
Time
A Formula 1 race must last no more than two hours. However, if the race is suspended for a crash or inclement weather, the race can last a maximum of three hours. Formula 1 cars do not get refilled with gas during the race, but instead, they carry enough fuel to finish the entire race. This was not always the case, but refueling was made illegal because of fire safety concerns. Once the race reaches the two-hour mark, the racers are given the “end of race” signal even if the number of required laps has not been completed. Since they only have a limited amount of gas, the race must end around the two-hour mark, or the cars will run out of fuel. A pit stop in Formula 1 is for changing tires and making repairs or adjustments, with no refueling.
Distance
The distance of a Formula 1 race varies from circuit to circuit, but all circuits follow one specific rule. A race must last a minimum of 305 kilometers, or 190 miles. The exact race distance is determined by the least number of laps around a particular circuit that are required to exceed 305 kilometers. This means racers will reach the 305-kilometer mark on their last lap, but there will still be a short distance to travel to the finish, resulting in every track having slightly different race distances. The sole exception to this rule is the Circuit de Monaco, the track with the shortest race distance, which is 260.286 kilometers long. The track with the longest race distance is Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, which is 308 km.
Laps
A Formula 1 race does not have a required number of laps because each track is constructed differently. Therefore, each track will have a different number of laps. The only requirements that must be met are that the race lasts less than two hours and covers a distance of at least 305 kilometers. A larger track will require fewer laps to reach 305 kilometers, while a shorter track will require more laps to reach 305 kilometers. The track that requires the fewest number of laps is the 7.004-kilometer Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, with only 44 laps to the finish line. The track that requires the greatest number of laps is the 3.337-kilometer Circuit de Monaco in Italy, with 78 laps to the finish line. All circuits besides Circuit de Monaco require drivers to travel 305 kilometers, but over a different number of laps.
Monaco
There is one Formula 1 track that is exempt from the rules mentioned above, and that is the Circuit de Monaco. This is a unique course that winds through the streets of Monaco, which results in the drivers driving a little slower and each lap taking a little longer. Since it takes longer to complete each lap, drivers only travel 260 kilometers, or 161 miles. This is much shorter than the 305 kilometers requirement for other F1 tracks. The racers will still be driving for two hours, but they will cover less distance since it takes a longer time to complete one lap. Although they travel a shorter distance, they still complete 78 laps on this circuit.
FAQ
How many laps is an F1 race?
A Formula 1 race does not have a specific number of laps required for every track. Each course has a different composition and will take a different number of laps to complete. Race distances are measured in kilometers and not laps. Most Formula 1 races take between 50-70 laps to complete the required 305 kilometers. Circuits that are longer will require fewer laps to reach the required distance of 305 kilometers, and shorter circuits will take more laps to reach the requirement.
How long are F1 races?
Most F1 races last two hours, but some can last up to three hours. Races will only last three hours if there is a stop in action due to a crash, weather, or other circuit disturbances. A typical race without any stops must finish within a two-hour time period. If a race reaches the two-hour mark before they have completed the proper number of laps, the racers will complete one final lap, and the race will end. They are only given enough gas to last around two hours, so when the time is up, the race needs to come to an end.
How long do red flags last in F1 races?
A red flag in an F1 race lasts no longer than one hour because two hours of racing must be completed within a three-hour time period. Red flags are shown to stop races for inclement weather, crashes, or other potential hazards. Depending on the severity of the situation, it can vary how long it takes for the weather to clear up or for the marshals to clear the track. If a race exceeds the three-hour window and the red flag is still raised, the race will end. Depending on how much of the race was completed, different rules determine how points are distributed to the drivers.
How many miles is an F1 race?
According to the rulebook, a Formula 1 distance must cover a minimum distance of 305 kilometers which equates to about 190 miles. There is one exception to this rule, which is Monaco, which only covers 260 kilometers or 161 miles. The race on the F1 schedule with the longest distance is the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, which covers 308 km or 191mi.