Christian Horner’s Formula 1 exile may already be ticking toward its conclusion – and if FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is to be believed, the former Red Bull team boss is not heading for the shadows, but for a dramatic return to the heart of the paddock.
Less than a year after Horner’s shock departure from Red Bull Racing, whispers about his next move are growing louder by the week. And now, one of the sport’s most powerful figures has all but confirmed that the 52-year-old remains deeply plugged into the sport’s inner circle.
Ben Sulayem has revealed that he is still in frequent contact with Horner – and the FIA chief made little effort to hide how strongly he believes the Briton’s comeback is inevitable.
“Who can remove Christian Horner’s name from motorsport and Formula 1? You can’t,” Ben Sulayem told The Independent. “It was always successful, but success also has enemies as we know.”
Horner’s next move already brewing?
Horner’s departure from Red Bull after more than two decades sent shockwaves through Formula 1. The man who built the Milton Keynes outfit into a dynasty – delivering eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ crowns – suddenly found himself on the outside looking in.
Yet the paddock has never truly believed he would stay away for long.
Alpine has emerged as one possible landing spot, particularly after confirmation earlier this year that Horner is linked to an investor group interested in acquiring a significant stake in the Enstone-based operation. Meanwhile, rival interest in the Enstone squad from Mercedes has only intensified speculation over a brewing power struggle behind the scenes.
Then there is Aston Martin F1 Team – perhaps the most tantalising possibility of all.
Aston executive chairman Lawrence Stroll is believed to admire the former Red Bull chief’s leadership credentials. A CEO-style role, potentially paired with equity in the team, has become one of the hottest rumours circulating through the paddock.
And according to Ben Sulayem, Horner’s reputation alone means opportunities will continue to flood in.
“If you ask me, we miss him in this sport and I do,” he said. “I keep in touch with him. He was good for the team, good for the sport.
“We would welcome him back and someone like him will always find his way.”
‘When he comes back…’
Ben Sulayem’s comments offered a rare glimpse into the personal relationship between the FIA president and one of F1’s most controversial modern-era team bosses.
The Emirati even joked about Horner’s famously outspoken style.
“I always say to him: ‘You talk too much, but you don’t mean anything bad,’” Ben Sulayem revealed. “He has a clean heart – and he wants to come back.
“As I said, I talk to him regularly and I feel he will be back. When he comes back, it will be like he went for a vacation.”
That prediction will only pour more fuel on speculation that Horner is already quietly laying the groundwork for his return. After all, figures with his résumé rarely remain unattached for long in Formula 1.
Horner transformed Red Bull from ambitious newcomers into one of the sport’s defining superpowers, overseeing championship eras under both Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
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Ben Sulayem believes that legacy alone ensures Horner will never need to chase opportunities.
“When someone like him has that history behind him, you don’t look at his credibility. People will come to him,” he added.
“But also it has to be both ways, because how do people know that you are interested if you don’t show your interest? I don’t give advice, I just give some ideas.
“But he’s full of knowledge, his record is amazing and I do like him. He’s been a character in the sport.”
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