Ben Sulayem reveals regular talks with Horner: ‘He will be back’

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed he maintains regular contact with Christian Horner and believes the former Red Bull team principal will make a dramatic return to Formula 1. Speaking to The Independent, Ben Sulayem left little doubt that Horner's exile is temporary, stating: "We miss him in this sport... someone like him will always find his way."

Why it matters:

Horner's departure from Red Bull after more than two decades – during which he delivered eight drivers' and six constructors' titles – created a power vacuum in the paddock. With Alpine and Aston Martin both linked to the 52-year-old, his return could reshape team leadership dynamics and intensify the battle for dominance in the coming seasons.

The details:

• Ben Sulayem revealed he talks to Horner regularly and joked about the Briton's outspoken nature: "You talk too much, but you don't mean anything bad. He has a clean heart – and he wants to come back."
• The FIA chief described Horner's return as inevitable: "When he comes back, it will be like he went for a vacation."
• Alpine has emerged as a credible option: Horner is linked to an investor group interested in acquiring a significant stake in the Enstone-based squad, with rival interest from Mercedes only adding to the intrigue.
• Aston Martin also looms as a tantalizing possibility: Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll reportedly admires Horner's leadership, with a potential CEO-style role that could include equity in the team.
• Ben Sulayem emphasized Horner's legacy ensures opportunities will come to him, not the other way around: "People will come to him."

What's next:

Horner has been spotted at MotoGP events in Jerez, fueling speculation about broader motorsport interests. However, the paddock consensus points to a return to F1 before the end of 2025 – possibly in a senior management role that allows him to rebuild a team from the ground up. As Ben Sulayem put it: "He's full of knowledge, his record is amazing... he will be back."