Christian Horner’s FIA meeting with Mohammed Ben Sulayem fuels F1 return rumours

Former Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner has visited the FIA in Paris, raising questions among Formula 1 fans.

Horner was replaced in his role at the Milton Keynes outfit by Laurent Mekies on 9 July 2025. There have been multiple rumours surrounding a potential return of the Briton to the paddock. However, nothing has been confirmed at this stage. But as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem shared moments from Horner’s visit on social media, it has led to more speculation.

“Wonderful to welcome Christian Horner to the FIA Paris offices today. Good to see you my friend,” the FIA president wrote on Instagram.

“Definitely Buying that F1 team … Let’s go,” one fan wrote, while another added: “What’s he buying … grid is boring without him.”

Many of the comments pointed to the recent rumours linking Horner with Alpine. The French team confirmed this week that the former Red Bull team chief was part of a group of investors who have shown interest in the outfit.

After Otro Capital, which includes celebrity investors such as actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and athletes Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Rory McIlroy, acquired a 24% stake in Alpine in 2023, the investment group is now considering selling its stake.

Addressing the rumours that Horner could invest, Alpine said in a statement: “It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team.

“⁠With the continued rapid growth of Formula 1, the valuation of the teams has been increasing and, not surprisingly, has led to multiple interested parties looking to enter the sport.

“⁠The team is regularly approached and contacted from potential investors, particularly given Otro Capital declared exploratory talks have taken place. One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner.

“⁠Any approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital [24%] and Renault Group [76%].”

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What are the implications of Christian Horner’s meeting with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his future role in Formula 1?

Christian Horner’s FIA Meeting with Mohammed Ben Sulayem Fuels F1 Return Rumours

The Formula 1 world is buzzing following a recent, and notably private, meeting between Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This encounter, confirmed by both parties, has ignited a fresh wave of speculation regarding Horner’s future within the sport, especially concerning a potential return to a more prominent role after the controversy surrounding allegations of inappropriate behaviour in early 2024.

The Context: A Timeline of Events

To understand the importance of this meeting, a fast recap of the preceding events is crucial. In February 2024, allegations surfaced regarding Horner’s conduct towards a team member. An internal Red Bull inquiry initially cleared him,but the findings were afterward questioned,leading to an self-reliant investigation conducted by a specialist barrister.

* February 2024: allegations of inappropriate behaviour emerge.

* March 2024: Red Bull concludes its internal investigation, clearing Horner.

* April 2024: Further scrutiny and an independent investigation are launched.

* April 2024: Horner is cleared by the independent investigation, though details remain largely confidential.

* Late 2025: Continued speculation regarding Horner’s position and potential power struggles within Red Bull.

Despite the independent investigation’s clearance, the situation remained tense, with reports of strained relationships within the Red Bull organisation and increasing pressure on Horner. The timing of the FIA meeting, therefore, is being heavily scrutinized.

What We Know About the Meeting

Details surrounding the meeting between Horner and Ben sulayem remain scarce. Both parties have described it as a “constructive” discussion, focusing on the “future of the sport.” However, this carefully worded statement has done little to quell the rumours. sources suggest the meeting wasn’t initiated by the FIA, but rather requested by Horner himself.

The key questions surrounding the meeting are:

1. What specific topics were discussed? Beyond the vague reference to the “future of the sport,” what concrete issues were on the table?
2. Was the meeting a precursor to potential disciplinary action? Despite the independent investigation’s findings,could the FIA still exert pressure on Horner or Red Bull?
3. What role does the ongoing power struggle within Red Bull play? The internal dynamics within the energy drink giant are undoubtedly influencing the situation.

The Return Rumours: Why Now?

The speculation surrounding Horner’s potential return to a more influential position within the FIA – perhaps even a leadership role – stems from several factors.

* Ben Sulayem’s Position: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has faced criticism during his tenure as FIA President, with some questioning his leadership style and decision-making. A figure like Horner, with extensive experience and political acumen, could be seen as a stabilizing force.

* Horner’s Political Capital: Despite the controversy,Horner remains a highly respected and influential figure in the paddock.his success with Red Bull, coupled with his understanding of the sport’s intricacies, makes him a valuable asset.

* Red Bull’s Internal Conflicts: The ongoing power struggles within Red Bull, particularly following the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, create an unstable environment.Horner may be seeking a way to navigate these challenges by shifting his focus to the FIA.

* Potential for Governance Changes: There’s ongoing discussion about the governance structure of Formula 1, and Horner’s involvement could be seen as a move towards influencing those changes.

Impact on the 2026 Season and Beyond

The outcome of this situation could have notable ramifications for the 2026 Formula 1 season and beyond. A shift in leadership at either Red Bull or the FIA could alter the competitive landscape and influence key decisions regarding regulations and sporting directives.

specifically,consider these potential scenarios:

* Horner at the FIA: A move by Horner to the FIA could lead to a more collaborative relationship between the governing body and the teams,potentially streamlining decision-making processes.

* Continued Uncertainty at Red Bull: If Horner remains at Red Bull amidst ongoing internal conflicts, it could create instability and hinder the team’s performance.

* Increased Scrutiny of FIA Governance: The situation has already brought increased scrutiny to the FIA’s governance structure, and further developments could lead to calls for reform.

The F1 community will be closely watching for further developments, as the implications of this meeting are far-reaching and could reshape the future of the sport. The delicate balance of power within Formula 1 is once again under the spotlight, and the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the direction of travel.