Christian Horner has expressed his concerns about Formula 1 becoming, in his own words, ‘over-regulated’. According to the Red Bull team boss, this is causing the natural racing within the premier class to increasingly disappear. The topic came up again following Max Verstappen‘s fierce defense against Oscar Piastri in Miami.
Max Verstappen provided most of the on-track action in Miami with his battles against Oscar Piastri and later Lando Norris. The Dutch driver defended fiercely, trying to force his two McLaren rivals to overtake him on the outside. According to the 2025 regulations, the driver who ‘wins’ the corner has the right to defend it more fiercely than a year earlier. Previously, drivers had to leave enough space for the driver making the overtaking move.
The regulations in Formula 1 are constantly changing, and according to Verstappen, this makes racing feel less ‘natural’. “But I just follow the rules,” the world champion added in an interview with The Race.
Less Natural Racing
Verstappen’s team boss at Red Bull, Christian Horner, is also not entirely happy with the new regulations, and feels there are too many rules. “It doesn’t feel like natural racing anymore,” the Brit explains. “(Formula 1) is becoming over-regulated in terms of wheel-to-wheel racing, and I don’t know if that’s necessary. It’s becoming increasingly unnatural. Maybe we need a reset.”
The man from Leamington Spa would rather leave the decision about a reset to the drivers. “It would be good if the drivers could discuss this during the next race weekend. When too many regulations are introduced, you just drive according to the regulations, and not naturally anymore.”
