Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko Drops Bombshell: Mercedes Not F1 Favorites in 2026
The Formula 1 world is bracing for a seismic shift in the upcoming 2026 season, as Red Bull’s advisor, Helmut Marko, throws shade at Mercedes, dismissing them as the favorites for the championship. With a brand-new set of regulations on the horizon, the competition is heating up, and the question of who will come out on top is shrouded in mystery.
Speculations have been rife that Mercedes may have cracked the code when it comes to the new engine regulations, which place a greater emphasis on a balanced mix of internal combustion and electric motor components. Despite Mercedes’ confidence in their performance, Marko is quick to shut down the notion of their supremacy. In a bold statement, Marko declared, “Mercedes has declared itself the favorite, but there’s no evidence of that.”
Amidst the intense rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes, Marko highlighted the impressive development of combustion engines, cheekily comparing it to the size of a lawnmower engine. However, with Red Bull making significant changes by partnering with Ford for their engine program, the dynamics of the competition are set to evolve further.
As Honda gears up to return to F1 with Aston Martin, Red Bull is embarking on a new chapter with its in-house powertrains department collaborating with Ford. Marko provided insights into the key areas of development for the new car, emphasizing the importance of the combustion engine and the advancements being made in partnership with Exxon on the petrol front.
Looking back at Red Bull’s current struggles with the RB21 car, Marko hinted at an imminent halt in its development to shift focus entirely on next year’s model. With Max Verstappen facing challenges on the track and teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda also grappling with performance issues, the team is gearing up for a strategic pivot in their approach.
The upcoming season promises to be a battleground of innovation and strategy, with Red Bull poised to shake up the status quo and challenge Mercedes’ dominance. As the clock ticks towards the 2026 F1 campaign, all eyes are on the unfolding drama between the top teams vying for glory on the track.