Mercedes dominance is hurting Formula 1

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Mercedes' current dominance of Formula 1 is driving fans away, and he says his own team's success was never as damaging.

Mercedes has won 16 of the 19 grands prix in each of the last two years, and scored 23 one-twos over that same period, while Red Bull won four consecutive championships with Sebastian Vettel from 2010-13.

"Predictable, serial results and serial winning is difficult for any sport," said Horner.

"We were accused of it, but we enjoyed the continued success and longevity of the sport.

"Two of our world championships went to the last race, and we never finished first and second in a championship.

"Inevitably, with predictability, people get turned off and it needs a rejig to bring it closer together.

"I don't think anyone wants to see Fernando Alonso just taking part, we want to see him competing.

"We want to see Daniel Ricciardo competing, and we want to see Sebastian Vettel competing against Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

"You can't expect the teams to achieve that, that's for the regulator and the governing body to come up with a set of rules that achieve those objectives."

Horner feels it is time for FIA president Jean Todt and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to impose themselves and bring an end to F1's democratic process, where he believes progress is held back due to "self interest".

Horner added: "There are things that need sorting for the future.

"It is vitally important, so we need strong leadership from the commercial rights holders and the governing body to plot a path for the future that addresses what the fans need and what the fans want to see.

"Without them, there is no Formula 1 that ultimately has to be a show, has to be entertainment, and it has to appeal to a broad spectrum of fans and spectators.

"The regulations are incredibly stable for next year, so Mercedes will inevitably carry on the dominance, such is their margin.

"They will find gains throughout the winter and will undoubtedly be near the top of the curve. "I'm not sure what the bookies would offer for a big performance shift next year, but I don't think the odds would be too good."