Article B2.5.3
Race Duration
Sporting Regulations
Article B2.5.3
Race Duration
Chapter: ARTICLE B2: PROCEDURES DURING COMPETITION
In Simple Terms
An F1 race runs for a scheduled distance and officially starts when the green lights turn on. The race ends when the leader crosses the finish line after the two-hour time limit has been reached, ensuring no race goes on indefinitely.
- Race begins when green lights illuminate on the start gantry
- Race distance is predetermined by the schedule
- Two-hour maximum time limit applies to all races
- Leader receives end-of-session signal after crossing control line post two-hour mark
Official FIA Text
The Race will be run over the scheduled distance and will be deemed to have started when the green lights on the start gantry are illuminated. The leader will be shown the end-of-session signal when they cross the control line at the end of the lap following the lap during which the two hour period ended.
race durationrace startgreen lightstwo hour limitrace distance
2026 Season Regulations