Christian Horner and Zak Brown Hold Diplomatic Dinner with FIA President

A surprising dinner meeting took place in London this week, bringing together former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The unusual trio's gathering suggests a notable thaw in competitive tensions and a focus on improving relations within the sport.

Why it matters:

Christian Horner's recent departure from Red Bull, following the British Grand Prix, has opened the door for a re-evaluation of long-standing rivalries. This diplomatic dinner, involving two key F1 figures and the sport's governing body head, signifies a potential shift towards more collaborative dynamics, crucial for the sport's future stability and growth.

The Details:

• Unusual Gathering: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem posted images of himself dining with Horner and Brown on Instagram, confirming the Tuesday evening meeting in London.
• Cordial Atmosphere: Despite a history of animosity—Brown previously stated there was 'no love lost' between him and Horner—sources indicate the dinner was a "purely social" and "informal" affair, focused on improving relations rather than F1 business.
• Ben Sulayem's Role: The FIA President, who is expected to secure a second term in December, facilitated the meeting, highlighting the FIA's interest in fostering better relationships among F1 stakeholders.
• Horner's Future: Horner is reportedly exploring options for an F1 return, not with Ferrari as rumored, but potentially by establishing a 12th F1 team with significant financial backing. He has already discussed this project with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
• FIA's Stance on New Teams: Ben Sulayem has expressed openness to another 'Expressions of Interest' (EOI) process for new teams, preferring more teams over an expanded race calendar. He supports adding teams that meet FIA regulations and contribute to the sport's sustainability.
• Brown's Schedule: The McLaren CEO was in London primarily for a legal battle involving IndyCar star Alex Palou, from whom McLaren is seeking over $20 million in damages.

The Big Picture:

This meeting underscores a broader shift in F1's political landscape. With Horner's controversial exit from Red Bull and his subsequent exploration of a new team entry, the dynamics between key figures are evolving. The FIA's willingness to support new teams, as championed by Ben Sulayem, could reshape the grid and introduce fresh competition, moving beyond the current focus on a limited number of dominant teams.

What's Next:

Horner's potential return as the principal of a new F1 team hinges on the FIA initiating another EOI process. If his significant financial backing translates into a viable bid, F1 could see a 12th team on the grid, adding new dimensions to the sport. Meanwhile, the improved personal relations between Brown and Horner, under the FIA's oversight, could foster a more cooperative environment for future discussions and developments within the paddock.