FIA president provides update on Christian Horner's F1 return plans

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed that he is “regularly” in contact with Christian Horner over a potential return.

Following two decades with Red Bull, Horner was sacked following a turbulent 18-month period involving disappointing results on the track, questions over Max Verstappen's future and an accusation of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee.

The Brit left Red Bull after leading the team to eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles, making him one of the most successful team principals in recent history.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Horner has been strongly linked with a return to the Formula One grid with the likes of Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi.

Horner's contract with Red Bull prevented him from joining a rival team until a non-compete clause expired on May 8, meaning he is able to come back as soon as a deal is agreed.

And according to FIA chief Sulayem, his return may be coming, insisting that “people will come to him” due to his impressive record in the sport.

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

“It was always successful, but success also has enemies as we know.

“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.

“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 – 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.”

Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull in 2025 (Credit:Getty)

Of all the teams linked with Horner, Alpine appears to be his most likely next destination after the French team confirmed in January he was a part of a group of investors including interested in acquiring a 24% stake currently held by Otro Capital.

Meanwhile Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll is said to be in regular contact with Horner, and hopes to bring him on board in role similar to that of a CEO, with equity in the team.

Commenting on the rumours, Sulayem added: “When someone like him has that history behind him, you don’t look at his credibility. 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?

“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.”