Marko and the 2026 scenarios
Formula 1 is on the verge of a revolution that could shake up the established balance. The cars will undergo major changes in design and concepts, tires will be significantly modified, and naturally, the engines will evolve as well. The most talked-about topic is the power units: in the paddock, whispers suggest that Mercedes could start ahead of everyone, as they did in 2014, but the real picture will only become clear in a few months.
Even a Formula 1 veteran like Helmut Marko avoids making definitive predictions, though he seizes the opportunity to poke at Mercedes while looking ahead to 2026. The Austrian emphasizes that Red Bull’s first in-house engine, produced in collaboration with Ford, may initially bring disadvantages, likely due to a gap in experience compared to other engine manufacturers.
Helmut Marko’s words
“Problems with the 2026 engine? Nothing is proven, it’s just that Mercedes has self-proclaimed itself as the favorite,” he told oe24.at. “However, it is unlikely that with our engine we will immediately be the fastest.”
“As long as we are not completely out of chances, like we were with the Renault supply, it’s fine,” added the Austrian, referring to the controversies surrounding that relationship in 2018. “Moreover, the FIA allows adjustments after six months. As long as we see that the new car is making progress, we will be satisfied. The ultimate goal is the ability to win, and in the second half of the year, we want to be back winning races.” Helmut Marko concluded at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix last Sunday.
With Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, Honda and now Red Bull-Ford all chasing performance under an entirely new formula, 2026 promises one of the most open title fights in decades. Helmut Marko might be playing down Red Bull’s early chances, but his message is clear: write them off at your peril – they’ve mastered comebacks before.
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