The build-up to the Brazilian Grand Prix was overshadowed by controversy over a new pitlane exit rule that has been geared toward stopping drivers impeding one another in qualifying.
However the solution introduced at Interlagos has been labelled as “terrible” by world champion Max Verstappen, and it opened the door for plenty of grid penalties as drivers had been caught out by the brand new necessities.
Whereas the FIA continues to fine-tune ways in which it might probably keep away from drivers tripping over one another in qualifying and danger harmful collisions, with the answer utilized in Brazil particular to this circuit format, Horner thinks the main focus is within the improper space.
He thinks {that a} deeper investigation must happen to higher perceive why drivers are having to fastidiously handle their tempo on out-laps, which is finally triggering the visitors issues.
“We’re simply making it too difficult,” mentioned Horner, who noticed Verstappen must muscle his well past different vehicles within the pitlane on account of the brand new rules.
“There’s a rule for driving out the storage, driving within the pitlane and driving out of the pitlane. You have to go fundamental: why are the drivers needing to do these out-laps and no matter? Go to the foundation trigger.”
The problem of gradual out-laps is finally about drivers aiming to place their tyres into the best working window for qualifying laps.
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR23, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR23, Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo C43, within the pit lane
Horner felt it was crucial to grasp what the core parts at stake are, in order that these might be addressed to supply an answer that will resolve the visitors drawback.
“Is it tyre stress? Is it the tyre temperature?” he requested. “We have to go to the foundation reason behind the issue, as a result of it’s one thing that did not exist in F1 for 50 years. So why is it a problem now?
“I believe for me, it is wanting on the root trigger fairly than the sticky plasters that maintain getting utilized.”
Horner mentioned that in an engineering-led self-discipline like F1, it was inevitable that groups would attempt to exploit any efficiency benefit that got here from tyres – which is why preparation had turn into so necessary.
“I believe you have obtained quite a lot of very intelligent engineers which can be all the time seeking to discover an absolute benefit and tyres are just a little little bit of a black artwork,” he mentioned.
“There is a sure mystique to with the ability to get the tyre into the best window and the tyre is a lot of the efficiency of the automobile. You may see why there’s a lot effort that goes into the preparation.”