Helmut Marko has claimed Formula 1’s planned return to V8 engines in 2030 is already “a done deal” after a software problem disrupted the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang.
The long-time Red Bull adviser was highly critical of the technical failure that left several cars unable to accelerate properly during the formation lap at the Malaysian circuit.
“That a high-end product like Formula 1 is brought to a standstill by a software problem is truly shameful,” Marko told oe24 after the incident.
The Austrian also suggested that the embarrassing episode could strengthen the argument for simpler power units in the future.
“On the other hand, this embarrassment helps to prompt a rethink.”
Software problem disrupts Bahrain Grand Prix start
The unusual scenes unfolded before the start at Sepang after heavy rain had affected the circuit.
Several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, encountered problems during the formation lap. Some cars were unable to accelerate properly at extremely low speeds, while others reportedly stalled on track.
The issue disrupted the planned starting procedure and forced race control to send the drivers back to the pits.
The problems were linked to settings required for wet-weather running with Formula 1’s highly complex hybrid power units, which derive a substantial proportion of their performance from electrical energy.
According to the report, the specific combination of settings had not previously been tested under the conditions encountered at Sepang.
Race control and the teams subsequently received a software update, allowing the race to proceed with the original starting order.
Verstappen criticises complexity of current engines
The incident immediately reignited the debate over whether Formula 1’s increasingly sophisticated power units have become unnecessarily complicated.
Race winner Verstappen was among those to criticise the dependency on software and electronic systems.
“That’s our problem: that the engines are so complicated, that they depend so heavily on the software,” said the Red Bull driver.
“That’s not what we want in this sport. I hope we learn from this.”
Verstappen’s comments came after he had witnessed the problem directly from his Red Bull cockpit, adding weight to the criticism of the current generation of power units.
The incident also provided Marko with an opportunity to renew his argument for a simpler engine formula.
Marko says V8 return is already ‘a done deal’
Formula 1 is already looking beyond the current generation of power units, with discussions surrounding future engine regulations continuing ahead of the next major rules cycle.
Marko claims the direction has effectively already been decided.
“The return to the V8 engine with turbo in 2030 is, as far as I know, a done deal.”
However, Marko’s wording is important. His statement represents his understanding of the situation rather than an official confirmation from Formula 1 or the FIA that the 2030 regulations have been formally finalised.
A move towards a V8 turbocharged power unit would represent a significant philosophical shift for Formula 1, particularly after the sport invested heavily in increasingly sophisticated hybrid technology.
The Sepang incident therefore provides fresh ammunition for those arguing that future engines should be less dependent on complex electronic systems.
For Marko, the failure was not simply an embarrassing technical incident. It was evidence that Formula 1 may need to reconsider how complicated its power units have become.
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Of course, he doesn’t know any deeper than any other third party to these discussions, but a 3.0L turbo V8 with a small battery is indeed the most likely outcome, combined with a push-to-pass or turbo boost as an overtaking aid.