Horner visits FIA's Paris offices, welcomed by President Ben Sulayem

15:42, 28 Jan

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byKada Sarkozi

Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed Christian Horner to the FIA's offices in Paris.

"Good to see you my friend."

- Mohammed Ben Sulayem

The FIA President met the former Red Bull Racing team boss in Paris.

Ben Sulayem shared a couple of photos from the meeting with Horner on social media. In the caption, he wrote: "Wonderful to welcome Christian Horner to the FIA Paris offices today. Good to see you my friend."

Ben Sulayem was re-elected as the FIA's President last December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He ran unopposed after only a single Vice-Presidential candidate was approved by the World Motor Sport Council from the South American region, Fabiana Ecclestone. Each Vice President could only support a single candidate, and the wife of Bernie Ecclestone was on Ben Sulayem's list.

Alpine confirm Christian Horner interest in F1 team co-ownership

After Flavio Briatore addressed Horner's interest in buying stake in the team during its launch event, Alpine clarified matters through a statement.

“It is no secret that Otro Capital has held preliminary talks to sell its stake in the team, as has previously been reported in October last year. With the continued rapid growth of Formula One, the valuation of the teams has been increasing and, not surprisingly, has led to multiple interested parties looking to enter the sport.

Christian Horner - Photo: Race Pictures

Alpine confirmed that several investor groups have expressed interest in the team, including one involving Horner, effectively backing up the rumours.

“The team is regularly approached and contacted from potential investors, particularly given Otro Capital declared exploratory talks have taken place. One of those parties to express an interest is a group of investors, which also includes Christian Horner.

"Any approaches or discussions are with the existing shareholders, Otro Capital (24%) and Renault Group (76%), not directly with Flavio Briatore or the team. Currently, the primary focus for the team is to be more competitive on track in 2026 which, with the new regulation era, presents a unique opportunity to show a sustainable recovery of performance."

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