The build-up to the Brazilian Grand Prix was overshadowed by controversy over a new pitlane exit rule that has been aimed at stopping drivers impeding each other in qualifying.
But the solution introduced at Interlagos has been labelled as "terrible" by world champion Max Verstappen, and it opened the door for a number of grid penalties as drivers were caught out by the new requirements.
While the FIA continues to fine-tune ways that it can avoid drivers tripping over each other in qualifying and risk dangerous collisions, with the solution used in Brazil specific to this circuit layout, Horner thinks the focus is in the wrong area.
He thinks that a deeper investigation needs to take place to better understand why drivers are having to carefully manage their pace on out-laps, which is ultimately triggering the traffic problems.
“We're just making it too complicated,” said Horner, who saw Verstappen have to muscle his way past other cars in the pitlane as a result of the new regulations.
“There is a rule for driving out the garage, driving in the pitlane and driving out of the pitlane. You've got to go basic: why are the drivers needing to do these out-laps and whatever? Go to the root cause.”
The issue of slow out-laps is ultimately about drivers aiming to put their tyres into the right operating window for qualifying laps.
Source: Autosport