Marko supports Red Bull's upgrade as rumors about Tsolov arise.

      Retired Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko believes that this weekend’s Austrian GP could signify a pivotal moment in the 2026 championship battle. Although he left Formula 1 at the conclusion of the last season, the 83-year-old is still closely tied to Red Bull and is acting as an ambassador at the team's home race in Spielberg. "Now I’m just a regular spectator on TV like everyone else," Marko told Kleine Zeitung. He mentions that he does not miss the traveling aspect. "I've always stated that when I retire, I really retire," he said. "It only became clear to me later how exhausting all the travel was."

      Marko has been critical of the current power unit regulations in Formula 1 but acknowledges that the races have frequently been entertaining. "I chose to stop receiving all the data," he stated, explaining that the power unit rules have made it difficult for him to keep a close eye on the races from a distance. "However, the races are generally quite enjoyable, despite the complex engine regulations regarding energy recovery," he remarked. "But for the sport, a win is almost guaranteed when Lewis Hamilton wins in his Ferrari."

      Looking forward to this weekend, Marko believes Mercedes remains the favorite, despite Ferrari’s recent victory in Barcelona. "The new regulations clearly position Mercedes as the favorite," he noted. Nonetheless, he thinks the race for development is still very open. "At this stage of regulations, updates can be incredibly effective – you can gain five-tenths in a single move."

      Marko is also optimistic about Red Bull’s own upgrade package. "For the first time, Red Bull is fielding a car that meets the weight limit," he disclosed. "We’re definitely in the mix."

      Former Alpha Tauri (now Racing Bulls) team principal Franz Tost shares a similar sense of optimism. "We have made progress compared to the start of the season," he told Krone Zeitung, speaking about Red Bull Racing. "It will be intriguing to see the impact of the updates. I am confident we can further close the gap."

      Regarding Red Bull's current cohort of drivers, Marko commented on Isack Hadjar, who is now racing for Red Bull Racing. "He is part of this new generation of go-kart drivers and has always faced a lot of misfortune in the junior series. In Formula 2, for instance, he was the fastest."

      Marko is also impressed by Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad. "At just 18, he is remarkably calm and composed," he remarked.

      These statements come amid rising speculation concerning Red Bull’s future driver plans. The Spanish outlet Soy Motor reports that Nikola Tsolov has already secured a seat with Racing Bulls for 2027, which raises significant questions about Liam Lawson’s future.