Marco: We want to win in the second half of 2026.

      In a recent interview, Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko spoke not only about Max Verstappen's title chances but also about the tasks for 2026. With the switch to their own power units, developed in collaboration with Ford, Red Bull Racing expects to reach a level allowing them to win races only in the second half of the season.

      Question: Let's go back to the race in Brazil once more. Shouldn't you have skipped Max's last pit stop and gone all-in?

      Helmut Marko: That would have risked damaging the tyres on Max's car, and then he would have finished fifth.

      Question: But if everything had worked out, he would have had a chance at a result higher than third place, and his title chances would be higher now…

      Helmut Marko: Looking back, we always assess the situation as 50/50. Maybe we really should have taken the risk. Besides, it's unlikely Lando Norris would have risked everything in a duel with Max. But one must not forget that in that incredible race Max had two punctures, which completely nullified all our planned strategies.

      Question: How do you comment on the fact that Lando Norris has become McLaren's strongest driver, even though you previously criticized him?

      Helmut Marko: It's simply astonishing. Norris kept his cool in qualifying in Brazil after an unsuccessful first session, and then struck back. He has undergone a colossal psychological transformation. Now it will be very difficult for Max to catch him.

      Question: Is there any truth to Bernie Ecclestone's theory that McLaren want Norris to win, and therefore put Oscar Piastri in an unfavorable position?

      Helmut Marko: These are just rumours that cannot be proven. Piastri suddenly starts making mistakes, and Norris improves. That's all.

      Question: Some experts believe that Piastri collapsed after the Baku round, when after the crash he got a modified car that he does not feel comfortable driving…

      Helmut Marko: That's not true. Piastri just needs more time to build up speed in the race. He posts fast laps closer to the finish.

      Question: Can Max make up a 49-point deficit in three races and a sprint?

      Helmut Marko: He can no longer do it on his own. He needs a retirement from Norris or retirements for both McLaren drivers.

      Question: And if the fate of the title is decided in the last race, like in 2021?

      Helmut Marko: Then Max will be the strongest. But let's not deceive ourselves: McLaren has the fastest car. We are incredibly fast only when everything is perfect. Otherwise we have a catastrophe, like the one that happened in qualifying in Brazil.

      Question: So, if you fail to win the title, then?

      Helmut Marko: Then there's no reason to be upset about it. We were very far from the top, but managed to come back. The fact that we are competitive again is already a sensation in itself. The question is whether we can take the title... Next year we'll make another attempt.

      Question: They say your power unit at this stage is inferior to the rivals…

      Helmut Marko: Nothing has been proven, even if Mercedes have declared themselves favourites. Of course, it's unlikely that in the very first race with our own engine we'll be the fastest. For now we haven't been knocked out of contention like we were with the Renault engine, so everything is fine. Besides, there is an FIA rule that allows adjustments to the power unit after six months.

      Question: It seems that in 2026 the title will not be Red Bull's top priority. So what will it be?

      Helmut Marko: As long as we see progress with the new car, we are satisfied. Our main goal is to win. In other words, we want to start winning races again in the second half of the year.