FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed a return to F1 for ex-Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Horner had been a central figure at Red Bull since the team entered F1 in 2005, overseeing one of the sport’s most successful eras, including multiple championship wins with Max Verstappen. However, his tenure ended suddenly after internal decisions led by senior Red Bull leadership, including CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who later said the move was about starting a new chapter for the organization.
In the latter part of his time with the team, Horner became a controversial figure, with off-track tensions and internal disputes often overshadowing Red Bull’s dominance on the circuit. He was also accused of inappropriate behavior toward a colleague, though an internal investigation in early 2024 cleared him of wrongdoing. Even so, his reputation became increasingly divisive within the paddock.
Since leaving the sport, Horner has insisted he would only return if the right opportunity arises. He has been loosely linked with a potential role at Alpine F1 Team and has explored other motorsport avenues, including MotoGP, where he was recently seen alongside F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Ben Sulayem, who has maintained contact with Horner, spoke positively about his impact on the sport. He described Horner as a key personality in Formula 1 and suggested that his experience, success, and character would make him a valuable addition if he chooses to return. He also indicated that Horner’s past controversies would not necessarily block a comeback, noting that figures of his stature tend to find their way back into the sport.
With nearly ten months having passed since his departure, a return to the F1 paddock is increasingly plausible, especially once any required break from active involvement has been completed. According to Ben Sulayem, Horner remains motivated and interested, and if he does come back, it could feel less like a major comeback and more like a brief pause in an otherwise prominent career.