'I think that it doesn't feel like natural racing anymore': Red Bull urges FIA on Max Verstappen incidents with McLaren duo

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has called on the FIA to dial back the current level of regulation governing Formula 1's on-track battles, saying the sport is losing its authenticity due to excessive oversight.

Concerns After Verstappen’s Recent Clashes With McLaren

Horner’s remarks come after Max Verstappen found himself at the center of two controversial incidents involving McLaren drivers in recent races. During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the reigning world champion was penalized five seconds for going off track and gaining a lasting advantage over Oscar Piastri in a wheel-to-wheel duel.

Just two weeks later at the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen had a first-lap encounter with Lando Norris at Turn 2. Although the stewards chose not to investigate the collision, many believed that had they done so, the Dutchman would likely have faced a penalty for forcing Norris off the track.

“Becoming Quite Unnatural”: Horner Calls for a Reset

Speaking to media including RacingNews365, Horner questioned whether the revised driving standards—brought in over the winter partly in response to Verstappen's aggressive style—are actually improving on-track battles.

“I don’t know,” Horner said. “I think that it doesn’t feel like natural racing anymore."

“It feels like maybe we’re becoming over-regulated in the wheel-to-wheel racing, because they’re racing to different lines."

“And I’m not sure whether we just need to... It’s becoming quite unnatural. So I don’t know whether we just need a little bit of a reset.”

Regulations Might Be Undermining the Spirit of Racing

Horner emphasized that drivers might be better off having a direct discussion among themselves about how the racing should evolve, especially with the growing impact of complex rule interpretations.

“It’d be good if, perhaps, the drivers were to discuss that in the next race,” he added. “Because it just feels like when you introduce too many regulations, you end up driving to the regs, and it becomes a little unnatural.”

Verstappen’s Gritty Fight in Miami Goes Unrewarded

Despite the regulatory scrutiny, Verstappen continued to battle hard on track. In Miami, he mounted a spirited defense against both McLaren drivers, ultimately finishing fourth. Though his efforts fell short, the performance underscored his determination to race aggressively—even as the rules tighten around him.