FIA President Ben Sulayem Backs Christian Horner for Formula 1 Return

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed unwavering confidence that former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner will make a return to the Formula 1 paddock in the near future.

While Red Bull has reportedly erased Horner's presence from their factory, rumors of a potential comeback have circulated, with Alpine notably emerging as a linked destination. However, no concrete developments have materialized thus far.

A Deserved Seat at the Table

Ben Sulayem, who held a meeting with Horner in Paris this past January, firmly believes the 52-year-old has earned the right to reclaim a position within the sport's inner circle.

"Who can remove Christian Horner's name from motorsport and Formula 1?" Ben Sulayem stated to select media. "You can't. It was always successful. But success also has enemies, as we know."

The FIA President did not shy away from expressing his personal support for the former team boss, emphasizing the void left by his departure.

"If you ask me, we miss him in this sport, and I do. I keep in touch with him. He was good for the team, good for the sport," Ben Sulayem added. "We would welcome him back, and someone like him will always find his way. I always say to him, you talk too much, but you don't mean anything bad. He has a clean heart."

The Inevitability of a Comeback

According to Ben Sulayem, Horner's desire to return to the grid is clear.

"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," he remarked.

Horner's final chapter with Red Bull was undoubtedly overshadowed by the 2024 investigations following allegations of inappropriate behavior made against him by a female employee. Despite this tainted conclusion to his Red Bull era, Ben Sulayem argues that Horner's sheer track record of success is sufficient to justify a return to the paddock.

"When someone like him has that history behind him, you don't look at his credibility," Ben Sulayem explained. "People will come to him. But also, it has to be both ways, because how do people know that you are interested if you don't show your interest?"

While stopping short of offering direct counsel, the FIA President reiterated his admiration for Horner's expertise and personality.

"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."