Bring Horner Back: FIA President and Fans Rally for Former Red Bull Boss’s Return

Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal and CEO, is officially free to return to Formula 1 after completing his gardening leave in April 2026. Now, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly backed his comeback, and a GPblog reader poll shows 78% expect to see him back in the paddock soon.

Why it matters:

Horner’s potential return could reshape the competitive and political landscape of F1. His leadership at Red Bull from 2005 to 2024 delivered multiple championships and a dominant team culture. Without him, the paddock has lacked a distinctive, outspoken figure—one that Ben Sulayem says is missed.

The details:

• Horner’s gardening leave expired in April 2026, making him eligible to work in F1 again. His earliest target for a return is September, though opportunities are limited.
• Ben Sulayem told GPblog: “We miss him in this sport. He was good for the team, good for the sport. We would welcome him back. He wants to come back… When he comes back, it will be like he went for a vacation.”
• The FIA president praised Horner’s personality, calling him outspoken but “clean-hearted.”
• A GPblog reader poll found 78% in favor of Horner’s return, with one fan writing: “Bring Horner back! I want to see something.”
• Since his dismissal in July 2024 (days after the British GP), Horner has kept a low profile, though he was spotted in the MotoGP paddock at Jerez and has addressed rumors about Alpine shares.

What’s next:

Horner will not rush back before the summer break. The most likely window for a return is September 2026, but a suitable role must materialize. Options remain scarce—no top team has an immediate opening. Some insiders suggest a move to the FIA itself could be possible, given Ben Sulayem’s strong support. For now, the paddock waits for one of its most influential figures to decide his next chapter.