Marko steps up pressure on Red Bull engine project: 'There is no plan B'
F1 News
- Tygo Bekkema
In 2026, Formula 1 regulations are going to undergo a major overhaul. Both aerodynamics and engine technology are going to look quite different from what we are used to now. Red Bull Racing will also produce their own engine for the first time from 2026, through the Red Bull Powertrains project. Team advisor Helmut Marko states that there is quite a lot of pressure on engine development.
From a reliable source, the GPBlog recently learned that the Red Bull Powertrains are lagging behind the competition's '26 power units. But according to Marko, none of this is true. "Guess who is spreading these rumours," he says mysteriously in conversation with Austrian OE24. "There is absolutely nothing true about that, we are perfectly on track," Marko said.
Marko steps up pressure
Despite the fact that Red Bull thus seems to be well on track, the 81-year-old Austrian does acknowledge that there is a lot of pressure. After all, there is no plan B, should it turn out that the engine is not working properly after all. "There isn't, our engine has to start working. There are so many factors involved like fuel, battery and so on. It will be exciting to see who is at the front," Marko concluded.
Should the performance of the in-house powerunit disappoint, the door is wide open at Mercedes for the possible arrival of Max Verstappen. Team boss Toto Wolff continues to express his interest in the Dutchman, much to the annoyance of Christian Horner. Verstappen recently reaffirmed that he will stay at Red Bull for at least next year.