FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner will eventually make a comeback to Formula 1, despite the Briton’s current break from the sport following his departure from the Milton Keynes-based team.
Horner’s exit from Red Bull after the 2025 British Grand Prix brought an end to one of the most successful partnerships in Formula 1 history. Having led the team from its debut season in 2005, he transformed Red Bull from a newcomer on the grid into one of the championship’s dominant forces, overseeing an era that produced 14 world championship titles across both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings.
Under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull rose to prominence with multiple championship-winning campaigns, first with Sebastian Vettel and later with Max Verstappen. His ability to build a highly competitive organization established the team as one of Formula 1’s modern powerhouses, making his departure one of the biggest stories of the 2025 season.
However, Red Bull’s fortunes changed dramatically during Horner’s final year in charge. The team struggled to maintain its previous level of dominance and found itself fourth in the constructors’ championship by the time of the British Grand Prix. The disappointing results, combined with months of internal tensions, ultimately led to Red Bull ending Horner’s two-decade tenure.
The final chapter of Horner’s Red Bull career was marked by several high-profile disagreements behind the scenes. One of the most widely discussed disputes involved Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, with the pair becoming embroiled in a very public conflict that attracted significant attention throughout the Formula 1 paddock.
Reports also highlighted differences between Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Although the two had worked together during the team’s most successful years, their relationship became increasingly strained as pressure mounted during Red Bull’s difficult campaign.
Despite those circumstances, Ben Sulayem remains convinced that Horner’s experience and achievements make a return to Formula 1 almost inevitable. Speaking about the former Red Bull boss, the FIA president expressed confidence that Horner’s absence from the paddock will not be permanent, insisting he expects the 51-year-old to reappear in the championship at some stage.
For now, though, Horner appears content to step away from the demanding world of Formula 1 management. Speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, he admitted that he has been enjoying spending more time with his family after two decades of relentless travel and competition.
Horner also suggested that speculation linking him with an immediate return may be premature. While rumors have connected him with several future opportunities, he indicated that a move for the 2027 season is unlikely at this stage, signaling that he has no urgent plans to rejoin the Formula 1 paddock.
Even so, Ben Sulayem’s comments are likely to fuel further speculation over Horner’s long-term future. Given his proven record of building championship-winning teams and managing one of the sport’s most successful organizations, many believe his expertise would make him an attractive candidate should a leading Formula 1 team seek new leadership in the years ahead.
Whether that opportunity arrives in 2027 or later, the FIA president is convinced that Christian Horner’s Formula 1 story is far from over.
