Red Bull faces a Formula 1 crisis? Marko has his opinion on it – With Formula 1 heading towards one of its biggest regulatory resets in decades, questions are being asked about whether Red Bull Racing can maintain its competitive edge. A new engine formula, major technical changes for 2026, and shifts within the team’s leadership structure have prompted speculation about a potential downturn. Dr. Helmut Marko, however, is unconvinced by the pessimism.
Speaking to ServusTV, the long-time Red Bull motorsport advisor rejected the idea that the team is heading for trouble. Instead, he described Red Bull as well prepared for what he expects to be a demanding transition period.
Crisis coming? Marko has confidence ahead of the 2026 regulations
“I see us as well positioned for the difficult 2026 season,” Marko said, pointing to the structure Red Bull has put in place ahead of the new rules. Central to that confidence are Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane, who now hold key leadership roles within the organisation.
According to Marko, having two experienced and respected team principals provides stability at a time when Formula 1 teams are facing unprecedented technical challenges. The 2026 regulations will bring sweeping changes to aerodynamics, chassis design, and, most significantly for Red Bull, the power unit.
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Building an engine in-house for the first time
For the first time in its Formula 1 history, Red Bull is developing and producing its own engine, through Red Bull Powertrains. Marko openly acknowledged the scale of the challenge involved.
“Red Bull is making its own F1 engine for the first time in its history, which is a huge step,” he said. “This carries certain risks.”
Rather than downplaying those risks, Marko framed them as part of Red Bull’s identity. He explained that calculated risk-taking was a principle shared between himself and company founder Dietrich Mateschitz. “No risk, no fun,” Marko said, describing an approach that has shaped Red Bull’s rise from newcomer to dominant force in Formula 1.
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Reflections on retirement and reaction
Marko also used the interview to reflect on his retirement, which was announced shortly after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The response, he admitted, caught him by surprise.
“I was surprised by the huge response, and actually had more to do than usual at this time of year,” the 82-year-old said. The messages and reactions from across the Formula 1 paddock left a strong impression. Marko described himself as “positively surprised” by the warmth of the response, adding that it suggested his long tenure had been appreciated.
“It shows that maybe I didn’t do everything wrong after all,” he said.
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A reduced presence at races
Looking ahead, Marko confirmed that he will still attend Formula 1 races, but far less frequently. His future schedule, he explained, will be selective.
“Just like someone plans a vacation, I’m now planning a race,” he said. Proximity and atmosphere will influence his choices, with a preference for venues that are easier to reach and less intense in terms of off-track demands.
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Faith in Verstappen’s future
Despite stepping back, Marko expressed complete confidence in Max Verstappen’s ability to thrive without his guidance. He described the four-time world champion as a fully formed competitor who no longer requires close mentorship.
“Max has matured into one of the best drivers in the world,” Marko said. “He doesn’t need me anymore.” He highlighted Verstappen’s technical understanding and racecraft, predicting that further major successes still lie ahead.
“I believe we will see many more great achievements from him,” Marko concluded.
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NEXT ARTICLE: F1 struggles to land new race promoters
The global image of Formula One is that of a runaway success as the sport continues to grow from strength to strength. Next season will see the first new circuit added since Las Vegas back in 2023, although rumours that Madrid is behind schedule continue to circulate.
Yesterday it was announced that Portimao in Portugal will return to the F1 schedule for a two year run in 2027/8. Yet the pipeline once brimming with hopeful promoters brandishing unlimited cheques appears to be running somewhat dry.
As is often the case in modern F1, the Portuguese Grand Prix is being underwritten by the government of the country and given the exorbitant fees to host such an event, the commitment for now is for just two years.
Gaps appearing on the future F1 calendar
However, there are gaps appearing on the calendar and in 2027 there are currently only 23 confirmed F1 race weekends. Imola has said farewell this season, but Madrid replaces the final slot on the 2026 schedule. Barcelona loses the right to host the Spanish Grand Prix as the title for the race has been transferred to the Spanish capital.
The future of F1 in Barcelona is uncertain given their contract expires at the end of 2026. The promoters may be hoping for an extension to be agreed, although they’ve been set the task of huge infrastructure improvements to deliver by the FIA and FOM.
For 2027 the number of Grand Prix weekends cold fall to as low as 21, as the historic Belgian Grand Prix begins its bi-annual rotation on the calendar. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will also be out of contract, although it is thought to be just a formality that an extension will be agreed.
Currently there are no big F1 projects in the pipeline and even the hugely trailed new Saudi Arabia track with its 90 metre high banked turn one has not yet broken ground. Whispers are…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Thiago Treze is a Brazilian motorsport writer at TJ13 with a background in sports journalism and broadcast media, alongside an academic foundation in engineering with a focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This combination of technical knowledge and editorial experience allows Thiago to approach Formula 1 from both a performance and narrative perspective.
At TJ13, Treze covers driver performance, career developments, and key storylines across the Formula 1 grid, while also analysing the technical factors that influence competitiveness. This includes aerodynamic development trends, simulation-driven design approaches, and the engineering decisions that shape race weekend outcomes.
His reporting bridges the gap between human performance and machine development, helping readers understand how driver execution and technical innovation interact in modern Formula 1. Coverage often connects on-track events with the underlying engineering philosophies that define each team’s approach.
With a global perspective shaped by both journalism and technical study, Thiago also focuses on Formula 1’s international reach and the different ways the sport is experienced across regions.
Treze has a particular interest in how Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic modelling contribute to car performance, offering accessible explanations of complex technical concepts within Formula 1.
