Horner 'social call' to Ben Sulayem sparks more comeback rumors

40

The FIA’s own social media lit a fuse on Wednesday when it posted a picture of Christian Horner huddled with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the governing body’s Paris headquarters.

The caption? A warm "Good to see you, my friend."

Since his shock departure from Red Bull following last summer’s British GP, the paddock’s most polarizing figure has been a ghost – until now.

While Horner is officially in town for the Retromobile historic car show, the optics of this "social call" are impossible to ignore, especially following the news that the Briton is part of an investment consortium negotiating with Otro Capital to acquire the latter’s 26% stake in Alpine.

Against that backdrop, a visit to the FIA’s inner sanctum was always going to raise eyebrows. Officially, however, the reasons for the meeting remain unknown.

Still, timing is everything in Formula 1 – and the image feels anything but accidental. For now, it’s just a photograph. But in this sport, even a handshake can spark a storm.

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.