According to former Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko, the new F1 regulations put more emphasis on digital precision than on pure driving skill. The 82-year-old throws his weight behind Max Verstappen and criticises the complex energy-management systems making their debut this season. Marko expects software engineers to play a decisive role and currently sees Mercedes as the favourite.
Since stepping away from Red Bull last year, Helmut Marko has kept a lower profile, though he still follows Formula 1 closely. He won’t be appearing in the paddock for now, but that doesn’t dull his interest. “I don’t feel any urge to go back to the races, but I keep up to date every day,” he said in an interview with the Swiss Blick. “And at the Australian GP I’m simply in front of the TV at 04:00 UTC,” he added.
Computer games behind the wheel
Thanks to the new F1 regulations, Marko expects an unpredictable start to the season. Like Max Verstappen, however, he is unconvinced by the new energy-management systems. “None of us really know what to expect,” he said. “Although playing computer games behind the wheel may not be good for the sport’s image. But let’s try to remain positive,” he added. “Full throttle was the daily norm for F1 drivers for years, but they can forget about that now.”
According to the Austrian, the focus is shifting increasingly toward data and software. “Software specialists are now more important than the drivers,” he concluded, disappointed. “They have to write a new program for almost every race. And the driver has to keep adapting. It will be interesting to see who has done their homework best,” Marko added. On the balance of power, he cautiously points to Mercedes, who, based on the first test results, are already the bookmakers’ favourites. “Mercedes seems to have a small advantage,” he concluded. “But can they convert that into results? Red Bull has done well so far with its own engine, but they need to maintain that level if they want to keep Verstappen happy.”
