Marko predicts that race victories will come "only late next season."
"Provided we’re not entirely out of the running..."
Red Bull is publicly managing expectations for the inaugural year of Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations, with Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledging that the team’s newly developed in-house engine, in collaboration with Ford, is not expected to be a front-runner immediately. This engine will make its debut in a season characterized by significant technical changes, including lighter cars, active aerodynamics, substantial increases in the energy recovery system, sustainable fuels, and a complete overhaul of the chassis design.
Speaking in Las Vegas, Red Bull’s chief engineer Paul Monaghan highlighted the magnitude of the challenge. "Ten weeks - yeah, that’s quite shocking, isn’t it?" he remarked regarding the countdown to pre-season testing. "We’re also adopting a new engine. How fortunate we are! What a privilege! Probably the only component being carried over from the chassis is the quick-disconnect steering wheel. It’s an entirely new car, new engine, and new regulations - 2026 is a total reset, and away we go again."
Marko conveyed a similar sentiment in an interview with Osterreich newspaper. "Nothing is guaranteed just because Mercedes claims to be the favorite," he remarked, amidst rumors that the Red Bull-Ford unit is already falling behind. "However, it is likely that we won’t arrive with our own engine and be the fastest right away."
Importantly, he differentiated between early-season competitiveness and long-term goals. "As long as we’re not completely out of the race like we were back in the Renault engine days, that’s acceptable," Marko stated. "There’s also the FIA rule that permits modifications after six months."
Thus, Red Bull is evidently not viewing a 2026 championship as its main goal. "As long as we observe progress with the new car, we’re satisfied," he asserted. "The ultimate objective is to win. In other words, we aim to be victorious in races in the latter half of the year."
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Marko predicts that race victories will come "only late next season."
Formula 1 | Red Bull is openly managing expectations for the inaugural year of the groundbreaking 2026 regulations, with Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledging that the (…)