The F1 world might soon see the return of one of its most iconic figures. According to FIA president Ben Sulayem, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is plotting a comeback—and the sport has missed him.

Horner was a paddock superstar, for better or worse, always stirring up controversy while somehow keeping Red Bull at the top. His unconventional, fierce defense of the team delivered results, even if it ruffled feathers along the way. But after a series of scandals, Red Bull and Horner parted ways. Now, less than a year later, the British racing leader is reportedly looking for a way back in.

And he has a powerful ally in Sulayem, who openly praises Horner's impact. "Who can remove Christian Horner's name from motorsport and Formula 1? You can't. It was always successful," Sulayem said. "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."

Sulayem even joked about Horner's talkative nature: "I always say to him, 'you talk too much, but you don't mean anything bad.' He has a clean heart. And he wants to come back. When he comes back, it will be like he went for a vacation."

So, where could Horner land? Alpine might offer the ownership stake and full control he craves. Ferrari could open its racing department doors, though ownership there is less likely. And Aston Martin presents an intriguing option—working alongside Adrian Newey again, despite reports of a testy past relationship. With time apart, cooler heads might prevail.

Sulayem believes teams in need of strong leadership should take notice: "When someone like him has that history behind him, you don't look at his credibility. People will come to him. But also, it has to be both ways, because how do people know that you are interested if you don't show your interest?"

One thing is certain: if Horner returns, the F1 paddock just got a lot more interesting.