As Formula 1 gears up for the seismic regulation shift that is set to take effect in 2026, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has poured cold water on claims that Mercedes will emerge as the dominant force in the new engine era.
The upcoming regulation overhaul, one of the most significant in the sport’s history, will see major changes to both chassis and power units, with a particular emphasis on increasing the electric component of the latter to 50% while eliminating the MGU-H from the hybrid system.
Despite Mercedes’ phenomenal track record since the advent of the hybrid era in F1 in 2014, Marko insists there is no basis for the Brackley squad’s self-proclaimed status as the team to beat.
No Evidence to Support Mercedes’ Claims
“Mercedes has declared itself the favourite, but there's no evidence of that,” Marko said in an interview with Kleine Zeitung, dismissing the German manufacturer’s confidence.
“The development of the combustion engine alone is incredible. The engine is smaller than the one in my lawnmower!”
The regulations for 2026 demand a radical redesign, not only in how cars are aerodynamically balanced but also in how energy is recovered and deployed. Efficiency, electrical output, fuel technology, and weight distribution will all be critical factors.
But for Marko, Mercedes’ past performance which it owed to its remarkable engineering prowess is no indication of future success.
Inside Red Bull’s First In-House Engine Project
Red Bull is developing its first-ever power unit through Red Bull Powertrains, in partnership with Ford, marking a new chapter for the team, which had relied on Renault and then Honda for engines in the past.
Marko outlined how Red Bull is tackling the new power unit challenge.
“There are three or four things that are important for the new car. The combustion engine, we're on board with that, and unless there are durability issues, it won't be a game-changer.
“The battery is crucial; we're starting with a conventional solution for that, and petrol is a very important factor. Development in this area is going very well with our partner Exxon.”
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Red Bull: Title fight likely lost if Austrian GP updates don’t deliverHis comments suggest Red Bull is prioritizing a pragmatic approach, with traditional solutions initially in place while innovation continues behind the scenes.
The collaboration with ExxonMobil – a long-term Red Bull partner – is central to its fuel development efforts under the new sustainable fuel rules.
The 2026 regulations are designed to bring greater sustainability and competitiveness to F1, with an increased emphasis on electrical power, fuel efficiency, and aerodynamic efficiency.
With Red Bull and Ford working behind the scenes, and manufacturers like Audi entering the fray, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in decades. Marko’s comments serve as a reminder that the race is far from over – and the scoreboard is still blank.
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