Despite his new role as ambassador of the Red Bull Ring officially keeping him away from operational decisions within the team, Helmut Marko has not lost his habit of analysing Formula 1 with his usual sharp clarity.
In an exclusive interview with Austrian outlet oe24, the 82-year-old from Graz painted a rather blunt picture of Red Bull’s current situation, while also revealing that Austria could, in the future, rely on a couple of emerging talents with very familiar surnames.
Red Bull in crisis: “Development went in the wrong direction”
The RB22, developed under the uncertainty of Red Bull’s first in-house power unit project, appears to have lost its way—not so much mechanically, but aerodynamically. Marko does not hide his concern for a team that seems to have lost its technical direction.
“We are suffering together with the entire team,” Helmut Marko admitted, “but we are hoping for tradition, meaning our ability in the past to turn difficult situations around. The engine is not the best, but it is not the main problem. The chassis only worked reasonably well in the opening race in Melbourne, but since then development has gone in the wrong direction.”
Regarding rumours of a possible early departure of Max Verstappen at the end of the season, Helmut Marko preferred not to speculate, maintaining a certain distance:
“I do not speak to him regularly, so I cannot give you any news. I am too far away to properly assess whether he will leave at the end of the year. I do not give advice from the outside.”
However, his verdict on the title fight is blunt:
“Last year Max performed a miracle by almost winning the title, but I fear this year he will not manage it.”
Praise for Kimi Antonelli: “Now he can win the World Championship”
If last year Marko had appeared sceptical about the Italian rookie’s talent, even criticising him after incidents such as the overtake by Lando Norris in the Qatar Grand Prix, the results of the early 2026 season have forced him into a clear change of tone.
“I immediately saw that Antonelli was extremely fast,” the Austrian advisor stated, “but he was inconsistent. This year the story has changed. Now I believe he is capable of fighting for the World Championship.”
This full endorsement confirms how Toto Wolff’s project is delivering results, with Mercedes back at the front of the grid, partly thanks to their new young star who is already challenging George Russell’s established leadership within the team.
The “sons of famous names” and Austria’s future
Marko then turned attention to two young names who could one day bring Austrian representation back to Formula 1—not only among constructors but also on the driver grid: Jack Wolff (9 years old, son of Toto) and Johan Berger (son of Gerhard Berger).
“Toto Wolff has an ace up his sleeve: his son Jack, who is pushing very hard in karting, just like Johan, the son of Gerhard Berger. I am in constant phone contact with Gerhard,” Marko revealed. “We will see if they make it, the foundations are all there.”
Although both are still very young, Marko’s attention confirms that the monitoring of future talent never stops in Formula 1.
New role at the Red Bull Ring
Finally, Helmut Marko spoke about his new role as ambassador of the Spielberg circuit, aimed at increasing motorsport interest in Austria beyond just four wheels.
“I hope I can contribute to increasing interest, especially for the MotoGP race at the Red Bull Ring,” said the Austrian regarding the event scheduled for the weekend of 20 September. “I am a big motorcycle fan. I will be present at the Classic events in May and, of course, at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the end of June.”
In summary, Helmut Marko’s assessment of the 2026 season highlights a significant shift in the F1 power dynamic, as Red Bull struggles with aerodynamic development while Mercedes flourishes with Kimi Antonelli. By acknowledging Antonelli’s championship potential and identifying the next wave of talent in Jack Wolff and Johan Berger, Marko reminds us that even from his ambassadorial role, his eye for performance remains as sharp as ever. As the paddock looks toward the summer, the question remains whether Red Bull can rediscover its technical path before the title slips entirely out of reach.
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