FIA President Backs Christian Horner's Return to Formula 1

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly voiced his support for former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to return to Formula 1, stating he misses him in the sport and believes he will find his way back. Horner, who has been absent since his dismissal last July, recently attended a MotoGP event and downplayed immediate links to Alpine, emphasizing he is enjoying his break from the F1 paddock.

Why it matters:

A potential return by one of the sport's most successful and controversial team principals would be a major storyline, impacting team dynamics and the driver market. Horner's experience and track record make him a valuable asset, and his next move could significantly alter the competitive landscape, especially for a midfield team seeking leadership.

The details:

• Public Endorsement: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem told media he misses Horner in F1, remains in regular contact with him, and would welcome his return, stating, "someone like him will always find his way."
• Horner's Current Stance: Despite rampant speculation linking him to Alpine, Horner recently played down an imminent return. He stated he is enjoying a break from F1, watching other racing series like MotoGP from a spectator's perspective without the pressure of a team role.
• The Alpine Rumors: For months, speculation has connected Horner to the Alpine team, including talks of a potential shareholder role, as the French squad continues to seek stability and performance.
• Red Bull's Current State: Since Horner's departure, Laurent Mekies has steadied the team as CEO and Team Principal, guiding Max Verstappen to a title fight last season and overseeing a revival in the current campaign after a slow start.

What's next:

While no deal is imminent, the public backing from the FIA's top official adds significant weight to the possibility of Horner's comeback. His return, likely to a team needing a strong operational leader, remains one of the most anticipated subplots in the F1 paddock. For now, Horner appears content to bide his time and assess his options from outside the F1 bubble.