FIA supports Horner's comeback as the competition for the Alpine stake intensifies.
"Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated that Christian Horner would be "welcome back" in Formula 1, as interest grows in the available stake in Alpine. The former long-time head of Red Bull, who was ousted from the team last year, is now associated with a potential bid for the 24 percent share being offered by Otro Capital, placing him once again in direct competition with Mercedes and Toto Wolff.
"I speak with him regularly, and I believe he’ll return," Ben Sulayem mentioned in Miami when questioned about Horner. "Who could possibly erase Christian Horner’s name from the annals of motorsport and Formula 1? It’s not feasible."
"He has always been successful, but as we know, successful individuals tend to have detractors. In my opinion, we miss him, and on a personal level, I miss him as well."
"He was an invaluable asset to our sport. He wishes to come back. Horner embodies a dynamic personality, and our sport requires someone like him."
These remarks arise amid a renewed discussion regarding team ownership, with Wolff and Mercedes also expressing interest in the Alpine stake. Ben Sulayem advised caution regarding such situations.
"It’s likely acceptable unless the intention is to acquire a stake in a team merely to hinder others or to gain the power to influence regulatory voting," he stated. "In scenarios like this, I personally believe owning two teams would be inappropriate."
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has voiced a similar opinion, opposing any scenarios that would allow a manufacturer to control multiple teams, even if it pertains to his own team's engine supplier. Consequently, Brown surprisingly expressed support for Horner’s return.
"I believe it would be fantastic to have him back in the sport," he commented. "I’d be astonished if he didn’t return to the sport, whether with Alpine or another team."
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FIA supports Horner's comeback as the competition for the Alpine stake intensifies.
Formula 1 | Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented that Christian Horner would be welcomed back into Formula 1, as interest increases in the available share of Alpine. The former (...)