Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is not yet worried about 2026. Like the rest of the Formula 1 field, his Austrian team is also on the eve of an exciting new season, in which the technical regulations will undergo a major overhaul. According to Marko, Red Bull – regardless of how the Austrian’s engine project turns out – has one major advantage over the rest of the grid: Max Verstappen.
While the title fight is still in full swing this season, Formula 1 is gradually shifting more and more attention to 2026. The new regulations will take effect next year, and rumors about which team is best prepared are already flying around the paddock. For instance, Mercedes’ team, like in 2014, is said to be building the best engine, while Red Bull – under the name Red Bull Powertrains – is struggling.
However, advisor Helmut Marko has full confidence that his team’s ambitious engine project will turn out well. “Internally, we are satisfied,” the Austrian tells the media. “But like the others, we do not know the data of our competitors. However, it’s not just about the combustion engine, it’s also about fuel and the battery… and the car. And I think that’s also a big advantage for us.”
Verstappen’s Advantage
According to Marko, regardless of how competitive the new engine will ultimately be, Red Bull already has one significant advantage over the competition: Max Verstappen is under contract with the Austrians until 2028. “The driver must be smart and intelligent in using the power of the battery. And there is one driver who can drive fast and think. That should be an advantage.”
Update on Red Bull’s Progress
Red Bull’s chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, provides a more detailed update on the current state of affairs at Red Bull Powertrains. “Some things are already set. The engines are being produced. Large parts of the car are already being produced. How ready we will be (prior to the start of 2026), we will see – and then it’s really a steep climb, 2026, but it’s a climb we all have to make, isn’t it?”
Although Monaghan also has no idea about the upcoming ratios in the Formula 1 field, the executive believes that Red Bull can be competitive in 2026. “I think we will have a good car, a good engine. We have great drivers, so let’s see how we fare.”
