Perhaps the answer to this question is only known to the most fervent F1 fans, but there is a minimum distance that drivers have to complete in a Formula 1 Gran Prix. Drivers must compete for a set number of kilometres; a figure that varies depending on the location of the race as well as the length of the circuit.

FIA rules

Which are the parameters that determine both the extension of the race and the precise number of laps?  The answer to these technical questions can be found in the F1 Sporting Regulations manual of the International Automobile Federation.

Section 5.3 of article 5, entitled ‘Championship Events‘ reads: ” The distance of all races, from the start signal referred to in Article 38.9 to the checkered flag, shall be equal to the least number of complete laps which exceed a distance of 305 km (Monaco 260km)”.

Yes…the legal jargon is not very straight forward. In lay terms, the above precept means that drivers must compete for at least 305 kilometres in each race. But, as it would be very difficult, and not very sensible, to pinpoint the exact place in the circuit where that distance is met, the rule establishes that after reaching that number of kilometres, cars must continue until they reach the chequered flag at the start/finish line. Otherwise, the end of the race could fall anywhere including at a dangerous turn in the circuit.

The exception to the rule is in this, as well as in many other issues, the Monaco GP. There, in the land of the Grimaldi dynasty, the distance is reduced to the aforementioned 260 kilometres.

A mathematical operation

In addition to the length of the Grand Prix, section 5.3 of article 5 determines the number of laps which all Formula 1 races should complete. Each Grand Prix’ organiser calculates this using a more or less simple mathematical operation.

The length of the circuit is multiplied by the number of bends until a figure is found that exceeds the set distance of 305 kilometres by as little as possible.

For example, the Shanghai International Circuit, for instance, has 56 turns and 5,451 meters. The total distance of the Chinese GP is therefore 305.256 meters.

Grand Prix         # Laps             Circuit             Lenght         Race Distance

Australia                58                  Albert Park       5.303            307,574

Barhein                    57                  Sakhir               5.412           308,484

China                     56                  Shanghái          5.451           305,256

Azerbaiyán            51                   Bakú                 6.006           306,306

España                  66                   Barcelona        4.655            307,23

Mónaco                 78                   Montecarlo       3.337            260,286

Canadá                 70                   G. Villeneuve    4.361            305,270

Francia                  53                   Paul Ricard      5.842            309,626

Austria                  71                    Red Bull Ring   4.326            307,146

G. Bretaña            52                   Silverstone        5.891            306,332

Alemania               67                   Hockenheim     4.574            306,458

Hungría                 70                    Hungaroring     4.381            306,670

Bélgica                  44                    Spa-Franc.       7.004            308,176

Italia                      53                    Monza              5.793            307,029

Singapur                61                    Marina Bay      5.073            308.965

Rusia                     53                    Sochi               5.853             309,944

Japón                    53                    Suzuka             5.807            307,771

México                   71                    H Rodríguez    4.304            305.354

EE.UU.                  56                    Americas          5.516            308,728

Brasil                     71                   Interlagos          4.309            305,939

Abu Dabi               55                    Yas Marina        5.554           305,470

‘Which are the minimum distance and lap number of a F1 race’ Images: F1.com, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull & Mercedes.