FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed he maintains regular contact with Christian Horner and suggested the former Red Bull team principal could return to Formula 1.
“He will be back,” Ben Sulayem said, referring to Horner’s potential future in the sport.
Horner was dismissed from Red Bull Racing in July 2024 after a turbulent period at the team. Laurent Mekies took over as team principal, overseeing Red Bull’s transition into the 2026 regulations era with Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda as the driver lineup.
FIA President Maintains Dialogue
Ben Sulayem’s comments indicate ongoing communication between the FIA and Horner, though the nature and frequency of these discussions remain undisclosed. The FIA president’s suggestion of a return raises questions about whether Horner could re-enter the paddock in a team leadership role, a technical position, or another capacity within the sport’s governance structure.
Horner led Red Bull Racing to multiple constructors’ championships during his tenure, which began in 2005. His departure marked one of the most significant leadership changes in recent F1 history, coming just as the sport prepared for its major 2026 technical regulations overhaul.
Uncertain Timeline
Ben Sulayem offered no specifics on when or in what role Horner might return. With all current team principal positions filled for 2026—including Andy Cowell at Aston Martin, Fred Vasseur at Ferrari, and Mekies at Red Bull—any comeback would likely require either a mid-season change or a move into a different area of the sport.
As the 2026 season unfolds with new chassis regulations, active aerodynamics, and power units running at roughly 50 percent electric power, the paddock will watch for any concrete developments regarding Horner’s next move in Formula 1.