Horner set for Formula 1 comeback? - 'Bring him back!'

Since April, Horner can officially work in F1 again after serving his gardening leave period at Red Bull Racing. GPblog previously reported that Horner will not return to Formula 1 before the summer break in any case. The earliest he is looking to do so is September, but even then there must be an opportunity for him, while options are very limited at the moment.

The former Red Bull team principal and CEO has not made a public appearance in the Formula 1 paddock since July 9, when he was informed of his dismissal with immediate effect just days after the British Grand Prix, bringing to an end a hugely successful era that began with his arrival in Milton Keynes back in 2005.

Since then, the Briton’s public appearances and media comments have been few and far between, although he recently addressed rumours linking him with a potential interest in Alpine shares and was also spotted in the MotoGP paddock at Jerez a few weeks ago.

The return of Horner was brought up by Ben Sulayem, who is convinced the Briton will eventually find his way back into the paddock, praising his personality and insisting his outspoken nature never comes from a bad place.

"If you ask me, we miss him in this sport, and I do. I keep in touch with him. He was good for the team, good for the sport. We would welcome him back, and someone like him will always find his way. I always say to him, you talk too much, but you don't mean anything bad. He has a clean heart. He wants to come back. As I said, I talk to him regularly, and I feel he will be back. When he comes back, it will be like he went for a vacation," Ben Sulayem said.

GPblog readers were also asked for their opinion on the matter, and the results showed a clear majority believing Horner will soon make his return to Formula 1. As many as 78% voted in favour of a comeback happening in the near future, while the remaining 22% believe it will not happen anytime soon.

“Bring Horner back! I want to see something,” one user also wrote, eager to see the former Red Bull boss back in the paddock soon. Another responded in a more ironic tone by writing: “If the FIA president is such a strong supporter of CH return, he's welcome to hire him at the FIA,” hinting at a possible opening for Horner within the federation.