Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

F1 in need of strong leadership to recapture fans hearts - Horner

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Red Bull Racing's's Christian Horner has urged Formula 1 to exert strong leadership if the sport is to reclaim the fervor of its fans and carve itself a prosperous future.

Horner underlined the foreseeable nature of Grand Prix racing's results on the back of a second consecutive year of Mercedes domination, and the relegation to 'also ran' status of some the best drivers on the grid.

"I think that predictable and serial results, serial winning, is difficult for any sport," Horner explained.

"We were accused of it but we never enjoyed the continuation of success or longevity of success. Two of our world championships went to the last race and we never ever finished first and second in a world championship, and I think that inevitably with that kind of predictability, people get turned off and it needs a re-jig to bring it closer together.

"I don’t think anyone wants to see Fernando Alonso just taking part, we want to see him competing, we want to see Daniel Ricciardo competing, we want to see Sebastian Vettel competing against Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

"The teams will never achieve that, because there is far too much self interest, and you cannot expect the teams to achieve that. That is for the regulator, and the governing body, to come up with a set of rules that achieves those objectives."
Given its current state of affairs, Red Bull's team principal denied however that F1 was in 'crisis mode'.

"Crisis is a strong word. There are things that need sorting out for the future. We need strong leadership at any time of uncertainty.

"That is vitally important and we need strong leadership from the commercial rights holder (Bernie Ecclestone) and the governing body, to plot the path of the future that addresses what the fans need and what the fans want to see.

"Because without them, there is no F1. And F1 ultimately has to be a show, it has to be entertainment and it has to appeal to a broad spectrum of fans and spectators."

Asked if he could ever see himself taking on a 'Bernie' role in the sport, Horner brushed the suggestion aside.

"My commitment and focus is on Red Bull. I have got a multiple year commitment to do that, so I have got no thoughts outside of sorting the issues out within this team."

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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.