Marko supports the Red Bull upgrade as speculation about Tsolov arises.

      Retired Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko believes that the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend could represent a pivotal moment in the title battle for 2026. Despite stepping back from Formula 1 at the end of last season, the 83-year-old still maintains a strong connection with Red Bull and is serving as an ambassador at the team's home event in Spielberg.

      "I'm now a regular TV spectator like everyone else," Marko shared with Kleine Zeitung. He mentioned that he does not miss the traveling. "I've always said that when I stop, I truly stop," he stated. "It only hit me later how tiring all the travel was."

      Marko continues to critique the current power unit regulations in Formula 1, although he acknowledges that the races have often been exciting. "I chose not to receive all the data," he explained, claiming that the regulations have complicated his ability to closely monitor the action from a distance. "But the races are generally quite entertaining, despite the complex engine rules regarding energy recovery," he noted. "However, for the sport, it's clearly a sure win when Lewis Hamilton wins in his Ferrari."

      Looking ahead to this weekend, Marko believes that Mercedes remains the favorite despite Ferrari’s recent victory in Barcelona. "The new regulations clearly position Mercedes as the favorite," he explained. However, he thinks the development race is still very competitive. "Updates can be particularly impactful at this phase of regulations - you can gain half a second in one go."

      Marko is also optimistic about Red Bull’s latest upgrade package. "Red Bull is introducing a car that meets the weight limit for the first time," he disclosed. "We're definitely in the game."

      Former Alpha Tauri (currently Racing Bulls) team principal Franz Tost shares a similar optimistic view. "Compared to the beginning of the season, we have made strides," he told Krone Zeitung, referring to Red Bull Racing. "Now it will be interesting to observe the impact of the updates. I am convinced we can further close the gap."

      Regarding Red Bull's current drivers, Marko reflected on Isack Hadjar, who races for Red Bull Racing. "He comes from this new wave of go-kart drivers and has faced a lot of bad luck in the junior categories. In Formula 2, for instance, he was the fastest." Marko is also impressed with Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad. "At just 18, he is remarkably calm and composed," he remarked.

      These comments come amid increasing speculation about Red Bull's future driver lineup. Spanish outlet Soy Motor suggests that Nikola Tsolov has already secured a seat with Racing Bulls for 2027, raising significant doubts about Liam Lawson's future.