A Formula 1 Grand Prix usually last about two hours. Various factors extend the time limit. The length of the race can vary due to the type of circuit and the number of laps. Each track is unique, with different lengths. There are factors like weather conditions or crashes that determine the race time. In case of a red flag, the race is prolonged. The FIA implements certain rules. The Formula 1 races must last a minimum of 305km (190 miles).
The races on the Formula 1 calendar are designed to take place for approximately 2 hours. But some races last longer and some shorter. The race will end in that time window even if the agreed number of laps is not completed. However, in case of bad weather conditions or a crash, the race can last up to three hours maximum. FIA reduced the maximum race time limit to 3 hours.
After the longest F1 race ever, the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix, regulations were introduced for a four-hour race window. However, in 2021 they updated the sporting regulations. Article 5.3b states, “should the race be suspended the length of suspension will be added to this [race] period up to a maximum total race time of three hours.” Let’s look at the top ten longest Formula 1 races.
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10. 2022 Monaco Grand Prix (3 hr)
The 2022 Monaco GP was round 7 of the 22 races held that year. Charles Leclerc started on the pole with Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez behind him. The race start was delayed due to heavy rain. The drivers switched to wet tires before the start. Two formation laps were run. But the cars were requested to return to the pit lane due to the rain intensity. There was a further delay due to the power failure of the signaling systems. Out of the 78 laps, only 66 were completed. This was due to the numerous delays and the three-hour time limit that was reached. Sergio Perez won the race. Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen finished P2 and P3, respectively. It was one of the longest races lasting 3 hours, the maximum time limit.
9. 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix (3 hr 1 m)
The 2016 Brazilian GP was round 20 of the 21 races held that year. The track was very wet, so the race started behind the safety car. Lewis Hamilton had a good lead after the safety car ended on lap 8. Marcus Ericsson crashed on lap 12, and it brought out the safety car again. The race restarted, but after 6 laps, Kimi Raikkonen crashed, and the race was red-flagged. There was a 35 mins delay because the conditions seemed dangerous.
The race started again behind the safety car after another 25 mins delay. Felipe Massa crashed near the pit entry, and it brought out the safety car again. It was Massa’s last home GP in Formula 1, he went through a rollercoaster of emotions. He was given applause while walking back to the garage. Once the race started again, Lewis Hamilton won the 2016 Brazilian GP. Nico Rosberg and Max Verstappen finished P2 and P3, respectively. Due to serval delays, the race lasted for about 3 hours.
8. 1952 German Grand Prix (3hr 8 mins)
The 1952 German GP was round 6 of the 8 races held that year. It was at the permanent racing facility at Nurburgring. It was an 18-lap race won by a Ferrari driver, Alberto Ascari. He started from the pole position and took the chequered flag first. Giuseppe Farina and Rudi Fischer finished P2 and P3, respectively. The race lasted for 3 hours and 8 minutes.
7. 1957 Monaco Grand Prix (3 hr 10 mins)
The 1957 Monaco GP was round 2 of the 8 races held that year. It was a chaotic race. Stirling Moss led the first lap. But, unfortunately, on lap 4, while coming out of the tunnel, Moss went through the chicane. This sent the debris onto the circuit. Peter Collins crashed through the barrier, trying to avoid it. Juan Manuel Fangio and Tony Brooks slowed down to make their way through the chaos. Unfortunately, Brooks was hit by a Ferrari. Juan Manuel Fangio for Maserati won the 1957 Monaco GP. Tony Brooks for Vanwall and Masten Gregory for Maserati finished P2 and P3, respectively. The race lasted for about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
6. 1954 Spanish Grand Prix (3 hr 13 mins)
The 1954 Spanish GP was the ninth and final race of the season. It was held at the Pedralbes Circuit (temporary street circuit) in Spain. It was an 80-lap race. During the course of the race, several drivers took the lead and then retired. Some spun off, some had mechanical problems, and so on. Mike Hawthorn for Ferrari won the GP. Luigi Musso for Maserati and Juan Manuel Fangio for Mercedes finished P2 and P3, respectively. It was the last major race held at the circuit. This street circuit has not been used since the Le Man disaster in 1955. The final GP in Pedralbes lasted for about 3 hours and 13 minutes.
5. 1950 Monaco Grand Prix (3 hr 13 mins)
The 1950 Monaco GP was round 2 of the 7 races held that year. It was a 100-lap race with a distance of 318.1km. There was a disaster right at the beginning of the race. A big wave from the harbor flooded the track. The drivers spun and crashed. More than 9 drivers did not finish the race. Juan Manuel Fabio finally won it for the Alfa Romeo team. Ascari and Louis Chiron finished P2 and P3, respectively. This was the first race for Ferrari in Formula 1. The race ended after 3 hours and 13 minutes.
4. 1951 French Grand Prix (3 hr 22 mins)
The 1951 French GP was round 4 of 8 races held that season. It was a dramatic race. It was the first of three occasions in Formula 1 where two drivers won the race after sharing a car. They drove an Alfa Romeo. When Luigi Fagioli came in for a fuel stop, the team ordered their two drivers, Fagioli and Fangio, to swap cars. Fagioli’s car was healthy, but Fangio’s had mechanical issues. The former was furious with the team’s decision. He quit the race on the spot. However, both drivers were credited with a win. The race went on for 3 hours and 22 minutes.
3.1957 German Grand Prix (3 hr 30 mins)
The 1957 German GP was round 6 of 8 in the championship. It was a 22-lap race. This was a special race for Juan Manuel Fangio. He not only won the GP but also won his fifth world championship in Formula 1. It was his 24th and final victory in the sport. It is considered one of the greatest wins in Formula 1 history. Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins for Ferrari finished P2 and P3, respectively. The race went on for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
2. 1954 German Grand Prix (3 hr 40 mins)
The 1957 German GP was round 6 out of 9 in the championship. The race was stretched from 18 to 22 laps. During the practice session, Onofre Marimon met with an accident, and his car was somersaulted. The Maserati driver died on the spot. Two of his teammates withdrew from the race. The race was won by Juan Manuel Fangio for Mercedes. Mike Hawthorn and Maurice Trintignant for Ferrari finished P2 and P3, respectively. The race went on for 3 hours and 40 minutes.
1. 2011 Canadian Grand Prix (4 hr 4 mins)
The longest race in Formula 1 history was the 2011 Canadian GP. It was the seventh race of the season. The weather conditions were bad. It was wet at the start and rained during the race. Hence, the drivers started behind a safety car. There was a second safety car due to the collision between Jenson Button and his teammate Lewis Hamilton. On lap 26, the race was suspended due to heavy rainfall. It restarted two hours later. Jenson Button won the race, with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber finishing second and third, respectively. There were six safety car stints. The race lasted for about 4 hours and 4 minutes.
Apart from the mentioned races, there are several others like 1951, 1955, 1956, 1953, 1953, and 1954 Indianapolis 500. These races went on for about 3 hours and 30 minutes approximately. There are new rules in Formula 1. The races should last within 2 hours and can be extended to 3 hours maximum under certain circumstances.
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