Marko: Qualifications have lost their appeal.

      Helmut Marko is one of those who criticizes the regulations of the 2026 championship but hopes that through the joint efforts of the FIA, Formula 1, and the teams, the situation can be gradually improved.

      "It was clear that with the transition to this regulation, a lot would change for the engines, but to be honest, I didn't expect it to have such a strong impact on the nature of qualifying," shared the 83-year-old Formula 1 veteran in an interview with Motorsport-Magazin. "Qualifying has lost its appeal. Races are going well thanks to Ferrari having an advantage at the start, but overtaking has become different from what we were used to.

      Previously, it was important to brake as late as possible and accelerate as early as possible during the start, and driving had to be at the limit of the car's capabilities, but now the main thing is to control energy consumption, and for that, we already have Formula E.

      However, if we gradually reduce the share of electric energy and gradually increase the power of the internal combustion engine (ICE), we can eventually achieve a more or less normal picture. This regulation was originally designed to attract Porsche and Audi to the championship. Then Cadillac also decided to develop its own power unit for Formula 1. But now the ICEs are returning, justified by the transition to carbon-neutral fuel."

      Formula 1 has already set a course for adjusting the regulations, with the first changes made before the Miami Grand Prix, which allowed for some improvements, although not very significant. But work in this direction will continue, although it is not an easy task, during which compromises will inevitably have to be made.

      "I drive an electric Mini myself, but I must admit that in winter, the range on a single battery charge drops sharply," added Marko. "In urban conditions, such an electric car has several advantages, especially since there are many charging stations in the city. I try to keep up with the times, but I wouldn't drive such a car somewhere in the countryside."