Ben Sulayem’s masterstroke: Brown and Horner break bread!

©Instagram/MohammedBenSulayem

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©Instagram/MohammedBenSulayem

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted on Wednesday on Instagram a picture that might go down as one of the most cryptic moments of the 2025 F1 season.

Simply captioned “An evening spent in good company”, the photo shows the FIA president flanked by none other than McLaren boss Zak Brown and former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner – two men who, until very recently, wouldn’t have been caught sharing a Wi-Fi signal, let alone a dinner table.

What was the occasion? A peace summit brokered by the FIA president? A joint project we don’t yet know about? Or maybe just the world’s most awkward appetiser course?

Whatever the case, it’s a snapshot of Formula 1 diplomacy at its finest – proof that even the fiercest rivals can, under the right lighting, look like old friends.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.