Helmut Marko believes Lando Norris could be a strong contender in 2026, but feels George Russell would also be in the mix if he prepares well for a title fight. Speaking to ORF, the former Red Bull advisor suggested that a lot would depend on which manufacturer gains an early advantage under the new regulations.
Marko’s assessment is based on the assumption that Mercedes could emerge with the strongest engine package. If that proves to be the case, multiple teams could be fighting at the front. Alongside McLaren’s drivers, he expects Williams and Alpine to be competitive as well. Alpine will switch to Mercedes power in 2026 after ending their Renault works engine programme, while Williams is also tipped to benefit from Mercedes performance, based on early indications Marko has heard.
Should Mercedes start the new era strongly, Marko believes the championship could initially feature at least four serious contenders before rivals close the gap. He also identified Audi as a potential dark horse, while Honda, Red Bull Powertrains, and Ferrari complete the list of engine manufacturers competing in the new regulations cycle.
Speaking to ORF about the 2026 F1 championship, Helmut Marko said:
“So it could be Lando Norris again. Williams is also making considerable progress, I hear. And if George Russell wants to be at the top, he has to put that into practice now and fight for the World Championship.”
Helmut Marko warns Max Verstappen and Red Bull about George Russell and the performance gap
Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen will need to be wary of George Russell in 2026. He pointed out that last season, the two were able to fight closely because the performance gaps between teams were relatively small. However, he expects the introduction of the new regulations to widen those gaps.
Marko feels the engine will play a decisive role under the new rules, especially with the changes to fuel, chassis concepts, and battery systems. The 2026 cars will run on 100 percent sustainable fuel, with each team partnering with a different fuel supplier, adding another layer of complexity.
With so many variables in play, the Austrian veteran suggested there could be a notable performance gap between the Briton and the Dutchman once the new pecking order is established.
Speaking about Russell and Verstappen, Helmut Marko said:
“Last year, the field had never been so close together. There were races where, in qualifying, there were 20 cars within seven hundredths of each other. I think that gap will widen considerably. The regulations are the way they are, but you have to give it a chance. However, I fear that the differences will increase dramatically.”
“You have to remember that we have the internal combustion engine, the battery and then the software for feedback. So those are already factors, along with the carbon-free petrol. Then there is also the chassis with the flexible wings, and all these other things, and especially the battery performance will be crucial. There are so many things coming together that I fear that sometimes there will be seconds between them,” Helmut Marko added.
Red Bull Powertrains’ engines will be an unknown quantity for both Racing Bulls and Red Bull Racing. As a first-time engine manufacturer, the new regulations present a significant challenge. While the revised chassis rules may be relatively manageable, the engine regulations and their multiple variables are expected to pose a greater test.
Red Bull finished third in the constructors’ championship, while Max Verstappen lost the drivers’ title to Lando Norris by just two points. The 2026 regulations are widely expected to act as a full reset for the grid, potentially reshuffling the competitive pecking order.
Edited by Parag Jain
