Horner: F1 Racing Becoming 'Over-Regulated' After Rule Changes

Christian Horner voices concerns that the evolved racing guidelines for the current season could lead to Formula 1 becoming "over-regulated" regarding on-track battles. The changes this year refine how F1 drivers are expected to race, altering the previous guideline that an attacking car on the outside was entitled to a car's width on corner exit.

Key points:

• Guideline Change: The requirement for a defending car to leave a car’s width on the exit has been removed, potentially making overtaking more difficult.
• Horner's View: He believes drivers are now racing with the regulations in mind rather than allowing battles to evolve naturally, making the racing feel unnatural.
• Piastri's Perspective: Oscar Piastri's defence against Max Verstappen in Saudi Arabia, which would have been against last year’s guidelines, is now permissible. Piastri claims his move was based on instinct, not on the updated guidelines.

Horner suggests a reset, proposing that drivers discuss the issue to prevent racing from becoming too regulated and unnatural. Piastri added that drivers often rely on instinct in such situations, racing firmly and expecting the same in return.