Pirelli identified microscope failures in the tyre sidewall at the Losail International Circuit last weekend, a problem triggered by drivers running protractedly over new kerbs with a 50mm raised edge.
As a result, the tyre manufacturer and the FIA imposed a maximum stint length of 18 laps for the 57-lap grand prix, which compelled drivers to run a three-stop strategy.
However, this was met with criticism that it was too prescriptive and led to a predictable race. This is a sentiment shared by Horner, who therefore believes F1 should not feel the need to make it a more permanent fixture or else risk it impacting qualifying as well.
He said: “I think you've got to give the freedom and that creates the creativity.
“Mandated pitstops? It will have effects on the end of qualifying and how many laps you do in qualifying to save tyres for the race... so that to me, it doesn't make sense.
“You want to run your fastest race and whether it's a one stop or two stop or three stop. That's where we need to be at.”
Source: Autosport