Horner urges teams to dump the shark fins

While F1 may have bigger fish to fry - pun intended - Red Bull's Christian Horner wants teams to discuss ditching the ubiquitous shark fin.

The dorsal fin has become an aerodynamic prerequisite this season following the introduction of F1's new regulations.

But its presence has been trounced by fans and paddock pundits, with F1's new sporting director Ross Brawn sharing Horner's view that the something should be done to get rid of the aero device.

Horner is hoping teams can get together and eventually agree on banning the shark fin once and for all just in time for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"Maybe there's still time to address this, because it's a shame it detracts slightly from the aesthetics of all the cars, and everybody would be affected in the same way," Horner told Autosport.

"It would be nice if we could get that nailed.

"But I think overall definitely the cars look a step forward, they're going faster, our drivers aren't giving any feedback of it being different to follow a car ahead, so I don't think racing will really be that affected."

Brawn planning to address 'unpopular' shark fins

Getting rid of the aero add-on would require unanimous consent from the teams. Horner believes the decision should be guided by the sport's better interest rather than any individual view on the matter.

"We need to take a sensible pill. Every aerodynamicist in every team I'm sure would argue - ours included - that they should be there.

"But if you look at the bigger picture and the aesthetics of Formula 1, it would be right to try to get rid of them."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.