Mohammed Ben Sulayem has voiced strong support for the return of Christian Horner to Formula 1, suggesting that the sport still has a place for the experienced British team boss.
Horner, who had been in charge of Red Bull Racing since their arrival in 2005, stepped away from the paddock following his dismissal shortly after the 2025 British Grand Prix. The decision came from senior leadership at Red Bull GmbH, with executive Oliver Mintzlaff later explaining that the move was part of a deliberate shift toward a new phase for the organisation.
According to Mintzlaff, the decision to part ways with Horner was carefully considered over time rather than made in haste. While difficult, it reflected the company’s belief that a fresh direction was necessary. Horner’s exit brought an end to a highly successful era, during which he helped transform Red Bull into a dominant force in Formula 1, securing multiple championships along the way.
Despite his achievements, Horner’s later years in the role were marked by controversy, which made him a divisive personality in the sport. Although the team continued to excel on track—particularly with the success of Max Verstappen—attention often shifted to internal tensions and off-track issues. Among these were allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a colleague, though an internal investigation conducted in early 2024 cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Since leaving Formula 1, Horner has indicated that he would only consider a return if the right opportunity arises. He has been linked with a potential role at Alpine F1 Team, amid reports of possible investment involvement. At the same time, his appearance alongside Stefano Domenicali at a MotoGP event has led to speculation that he could explore opportunities outside Formula 1 as well.
Any immediate comeback may depend on the completion of a typical “gardening leave” period, a common clause for senior figures in the sport. However, with nearly ten months having passed since his departure, a return could soon become realistic.
Ben Sulayem made it clear that he still values Horner’s contribution to the sport, noting that his achievements and influence cannot be overlooked. He described Horner as someone who played a significant role in shaping modern Formula 1 and suggested that his presence is missed within the paddock.
When addressing the controversies that surrounded Horner, Ben Sulayem implied they would not prevent a comeback. He pointed out that individuals with strong records and extensive experience tend to remain in demand. However, he also suggested that Horner would need to show clear intent if he wants to secure another role within the sport.
Overall, the FIA president believes Horner’s return is likely a matter of time. He suggested that when it happens, it may feel less like a major comeback and more like the return of a familiar figure who has simply been away for a short period.