Horner Seen Growing Closer to FIA as Hamilton Enjoys Positive Ferrari Debut in Barcelona
Formula 1’s political and competitive storylines are already beginning to intertwine ahead of the new season, with Christian Horner and Lewis Hamilton both making headlines for very different reasons this week.
Red Bull’s long-time team boss Christian Horner has been spotted strengthening his relationship with Formula 1’s governing body, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has taken his first meaningful steps with Ferrari, leaving Barcelona with a broad smile and renewed optimism.
Horner and FIA Relationship Sparks Speculation
Horner was recently pictured alongside FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during a meeting at the FIA’s headquarters in Paris. The images, shared by Ben Sulayem on his official Instagram account, showed the two figures in relaxed spirits, laughing, embracing, and appearing unusually comfortable in each other’s company.
According to sources close to the meeting, the gathering was described as nothing more than an informal discussion between acquaintances. However, in the tightly scrutinized world of Formula 1, even casual encounters rarely go unnoticed — particularly when they involve senior figures with significant influence over the sport’s future.
The timing of the meeting has only intensified speculation, as Horner is widely believed to be exploring the possibility of purchasing a stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team. While no official confirmation has been made, reports suggest discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his visible alignment with FIA leadership.
Horner’s relationship with the FIA has historically been complex, often marked by tension during regulatory disputes and political stand-offs. As such, the warmth displayed during the Paris meeting has raised eyebrows across the paddock, with some insiders wondering whether the rapprochement signals shifting dynamics within the sport’s power structure.
Although neither Horner nor the FIA have offered further comment, the optics alone are enough to fuel debate — especially in a season expected to be shaped as much by off-track politics as on-track performance.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins on a High
While Horner’s movements stirred political intrigue, Lewis Hamilton was making waves on the track, enjoying a promising first taste of life as a Ferrari driver during a private shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Hamilton took over driving duties from Charles Leclerc on Tuesday afternoon, marking his first official running in Ferrari’s new SF-26. Despite challenging weather conditions — with rain complicating much of his session — the Briton emerged visibly upbeat after stepping out of the car.
Observers noted Hamilton’s relaxed demeanor and frequent smiles throughout the day, a stark contrast to the frustration that occasionally characterized his final seasons at Mercedes. Speaking afterward, the 41-year-old expressed satisfaction with both the car’s balance and his early impressions of Ferrari’s working environment.
Although Leclerc had benefited from slightly better conditions earlier in the day, Hamilton was still able to complete valuable laps and gather important feedback. Rather than focusing on lap times, the emphasis was firmly on acclimatization — understanding the car’s behavior, adapting to Ferrari’s systems, and building rapport with his new engineering team.
Hamilton reportedly praised the SF-26’s responsiveness and spoke positively about how the car handled in wet conditions, a key indicator of underlying stability. While he stopped short of making bold predictions, his body language suggested renewed confidence and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
Growing Optimism Around Ferrari
Hamilton’s encouraging debut has reignited discussions about Ferrari’s potential heading into the upcoming season. With a proven champion now partnered alongside Leclerc, many fans and analysts are beginning to ask whether this could finally be the year the Scuderia ends its long wait for championship glory.
Ferrari’s technical direction has shown steady improvement in recent campaigns, and the addition of Hamilton’s experience, racecraft, and development insight could prove transformative. Internally, there is belief that his feedback will accelerate progress, particularly as the team navigates a highly competitive grid.
For Hamilton, the move represents both a fresh start and a legacy-defining chapter. His visible enjoyment in Barcelona suggests the decision to leave Mercedes was not only strategic, but emotionally reinvigorating.
A Season Already Taking Shape
With political maneuvering off-track and promising signs on it, Formula 1’s narrative for the season is already beginning to crystallize. Horner’s growing proximity to the FIA hints at evolving alliances, while Hamilton’s smooth integration into Ferrari has given fans a glimpse of what could be a fascinating title fight.
As testing continues and speculation intensifies, one thing is clear: the drama, intrigue, and ambition that define Formula 1 are already firmly back in motion — and the season has not even begun.
