F1 Strategy Group faces 'credibility' test, says Horner

F1's top six teams, plus Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt, are due to meet in London on Wednesday to discuss the outcome of recent talks aimed at putting together a rules package to make F1 cars faster and the sport more exciting.

And on the back of recent criticisms of the Strategy Group, Horner reckons that it is vital its members actually reach agreement on issues this time ahead of next month's F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council meetings.

"We need to have progress tomorrow," said Horner at a Red Bull media event in Milton Keynes."It's an important meeting for the credibility of the group.

"The purpose of the group is to discuss and decide on the strategic direction of the sport. It's not there to write regulations or make regulations, it's there to agree on what direction the sport can be heading in.

"We need to get back to the basics of what that group is for and make sure we're on the same page."

Push for independent consultant

Horner recently suggested that the Strategy Group was 'inept' and has suggested he may table an effort for it to approve plans for an independent consultant – like Ross Brawn – to be appointed to better lead F1's rules direction.

"I think it is best to take an independent consultant, someone who knows the business and understands the peculiarities and vagaries of the technical and sporting regulations, to come up with a set of regulations that fit the purpose of what the commercial rights holder and the FIA want," he said.

"A team will always look to emphasise one area or another; we would like it to be a very aerodynamic formula going forward. I'm sure others would like it to be more engine focused going forward.

"I think if you can find someone who can understand the business, understand what the commercial rights holder and the regulator wants, that's probably the best chance of coming up with a sensible set of technical and sporting regulations.

"I think it's something that we need to discuss tomorrow for sure."

F1 at key moment

With F1 having faced a barrage of criticism over recent weeks, Horner is well aware that there is a need for action to be taken to ensure that everyone can look forward to a brighter future.

"I think F1 is at a critical stage," he said. "I think fundamentally Formula 1 is still a fantastic product. It still has an enormous fan base and appeal.

"I just think we're not putting on a particularly great show at the moment. I think the cars are too easy to drive. I think they are not spectacular enough. You have only got to go to Goodwood to witness where we've come from to where we are now.

"I think that we need to look at how we move the product forward. What do we want Formula 1 to be? Is it purely a technical exercise or does it need to be entertainment. I believe there needs to be an element of both."