As Max Verstappen dominates the first day of testing, team boss Christian Horner claims that three days is too much.

The Briton's comments fly in the face of those of Fernando Alonso and George Russell, the latter having suggested that teams be allowed to run two cars, while the Spaniard cited F1 as the only sport in the world for which participants cannot practice.

"Look at the reliability we've had this morning," said Horner, when asked if he believed there is a need for more track time before the season gets underway. "I think we had one red flag very early on that was rectified pretty quickly.

"These regulations are pretty stable," he continued, "indeed, one could even argue the opposite when you look at the reliability, and so on. You could almost say that with the number of races the promoters are looking to cram in now, why not go two days of testing and then go racing.

"That would create a little bit of a more mixed field at the beginning of the season, is that such a bad thing? You've got enough of the year to then sort it out."

Previously, testing meant little to the sports owners, but with the event sponsored and anticipation for the new season slowly reaching fever pitch - certainly on social media - the sport's bosses clearly intend milking it.

While Horner feels pre-season testing could be reduced in 2024 and 2025, he admits that with the introduction of the new formula in 2026 teams will need more track time.

"Obviously, everything is new in terms of concepts of engine and chassis," he said. "But with the current regulations, I think three days is ample."

The Red Bull was equally unsympathetic when asked about the bouncing still being suffered by a number of rival teams. When asked if the RB19 had suffered any issues, he dryly replied: "No, but we didn't suffer last year so we didn't expect to."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 24/02/2023 23:15

"Two days into the new season and already the pithforks are being dusted off as the 'season begins'. Yes, Horner can be a polarising force but he is not afraid of defending his corner vociferously whenever and wherever. Looking at last seasons top three TP's for a direct comparison then Horner won a tight battle and I'll wear his swagger rather than the faux theatrics of the Mercedes breed. Binotto was a gentleman by comparison and I am genuinely sorry to see his demise. What finally eventuates during the course of this season will be most interesting. Maybe even some more headphones being trashed....."

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2. Posted by alvarezh3, 24/02/2023 22:49

"What ticks me off about this guy is that he behaves as though the rest of the F1 field was made-up of a bunch of thumb sucking 1st graders, where he's the only mature genius!"

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3. Posted by Spindoctor, 24/02/2023 10:13

"
If 3 days is too much, I'm sure RBR could turn up, run a couple of laps & spend the remaining time chilling-out in the garage to Spice Girls greatest hits."

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4. Posted by kenji, 24/02/2023 0:32

"Hahaha...And so it starts, 'stirring the possum' is stock in trade... you gotta love Horner."

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5. Posted by didaho, 24/02/2023 0:12

"Where possible I've avoided processing what he says for a decade so that's one possible reason I can't recall him saying anything that wasn't utterly self-serving."

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6. Posted by Defiant, 23/02/2023 21:01

"Oh imagine the shock. I bet he wouldn't have said that if another team was out front. He'd be trying to catch up any way possible.

The practice restrictions are madness and need to be ditched in favour of any amount they like within the budget. If a budget is the boring rules we are following, why are they then telling people what they can spend it on?
"

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7. Posted by Burton, 23/02/2023 18:15

"He's starting it early... sigh."

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8. Posted by BillH, 23/02/2023 17:36

"Something that hit some of the teams in the back pocket was the reduction in testing in that those sponsors/partners that support the teams no longer had the ability of taking their customers or those they wanted to schmooze to a place where they could watch the cars and meet the drivers and team.
With the restrictions and costs of The Paddock Club, it was a more relaxed area for business to be done.
Also, it was open to fans to see their teams too.
Alonso is right that it is madness that the drivers and teams can't practise their sport.
"

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9. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 23/02/2023 16:37

"Go home Christian, and pet your dog, or whatever you do.

We need MUCH more testing, not less. Or, as I've said before, there's a budget cap. Let teams decide how much to spend on testing, vs CFD/simulations/prayer. No particular limits on anything. While I don't like budget caps to begin with, we have them, and it's all that's needed. "

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10. Posted by KKK, 23/02/2023 16:21

"Only 3 days because he knows hes not going to be fastest! What a whinger!"

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11. Posted by JamesD, 23/02/2023 16:02

"Now Christian really has lost the plot ! 3 days is fine and I believe the teams should be allowed to run both cars."

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12. Posted by Paulinho, 23/02/2023 15:56

"Personally I don't think there should be any limit on testing, just let the teams spend their money, all within budget of course. "

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