F1 rules change ‘a shame’ after different winners in 2021 - Horner

F1 is enjoying one of its most competitive seasons in years, a campaign that has been headlined by an ultra-close title battle between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. 

There have also been six different winners from four teams across the opening 16 events so far and three new victors since the start of 2020. 

F1 is braced to undergo one of its biggest rules overhauls in history in 2022, when new technical regulations will come into effect with the aim of creating better racing on-track and greater competition between the teams. 

“I think one of the great things of this season has been the variance of winners that we’ve had,” Horner said after Valtteri Bottas became the latest new winner in 2021 at the Turkish Grand Prix. 

“It seems a shame to change for next year, really.”

Writing in his official F1 column, Ross Brawn hit back at suggestions the rules changes are not needed amid fears the overhaul could unintentionally create bigger performance disparities among the teams. 

 “This weekend I heard some comments around whether the 2022 regulation changes are needed given we’re currently enjoying such a golden season this year,” Brawn said. 

“I think that fails to understand the fact that while the championship is thrilling this year the cars still struggle to follow each other closely and create overtaking opportunities.

“While the 2022 rules won’t change the situation overnight I think they are a much better platform to improve the racing on the track and I’m sure that once the new rules have settled down, we will see some incredible races and championships in the future, with even more wheel-to-wheel action.”

Verstappen reclaimed the lead of the world championship in Turkey to move into a six-point advantage over Hamilton heading into the final six races of the year. 

Neither driver has held a buffer of more than eight points over the last seven races and Verstappen and Hamilton have swapped positions at the top of the table a total of six times this season. 

“Both championships are poised to take us through to the end of the season and provide one of the most exciting ends to the year that we’ve had in a long time. F1 is blessed,” Brawn added. 

“Why are we having such a great season? When I ran teams, there was no silver bullet. It was a case of chipping away at everything to make incremental improvements.

“I believe it’s the same with the sport. There is no doubt in my mind that the cost cap and the rules changes that were implemented are having a positive impact on the closeness and intensity of the championship.”