Ben Sulayem: Christian Horner will 'find his way' back to F1

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed he is “regularly” in contact with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and believes his return to F1 is inevitable. Horner, sacked after 20 years at the helm, has been linked with roles at Alpine, Aston Martin, and even MotoGP.

Why it matters:

Horner's return could significantly reshape the F1 paddock. His track record—eight drivers' and six constructors' titles with Red Bull—makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to compete at the highest level. Ben Sulayem's endorsement adds weight to the expectation that Horner will be back soon.

The details:

• Horner was sacked by Red Bull in September last year after a $100 million settlement was agreed.
• He has expressed interest in acquiring the 24% stake in Alpine held by Otro Capital. However, Mercedes has emerged as a rival bidder for that stake.
• Horner is also in regular contact with Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, who is reportedly keen to bring him in as a CEO with equity.
• Ben Sulayem praised Horner, saying: “Who can remove Christian Horner’s name from motorsport? You can’t. We miss him in this sport… someone like him will always find his way.”
• Despite a recent appearance in the MotoGP paddock, a switch to that series is not on the cards, per sources.

What's next:

Horner's immediate future likely hinges on which opportunity aligns best. Alpine needs stability after a turbulent period, while Aston Martin seeks to build on Lawrence Stroll's ambitious vision. Ben Sulayem's comments suggest the paddock is ready to welcome him back—and Horner is eager for the right role.