Helmut Marko claims 2026 rule change would not result in one team dominance of 2014

Helmut Marko reckoned that no one team will dominate F1 in 2026 unlike Mercedes' reign in 2014.

Helmut Marko claims 2026 rule change would not result in one team dominance of 2014

Helmut Marko with Max Verstappen (Image Via IMAGO)

Formula 1 regulations will go through a major change in 2026. The rule changes will see cars undergo major alterations, primarily to the aerodynamic and power unit components of the car. Red Bull has been partnered with Honda since 2021, and will have a switch to Ford in 2026. Dr. Helmut Marko expressed his opinion on their engine technology for 2026.

Helmut Marko stated that he believes the upcoming changes in engine technology won’t have as big as impact in 2014. He highlighted, In 2014 Mercedes had a advantage, with their engines being about 50 horsepower more powerful than the competition. This gave them a clear advantage in performance and allowed them to dominate the races. Marko reckoned in 2026 such dramatic difference in power among the teams would not be created.

I don’t think it will be a game changer like 2014, where Mercedes were 50bhp or more ahead.
Helmut Marko told GrandPrix247.com
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Marko pointed out that the true performance of the new engines will only be revealed once they are tested on the track in 2026. Despite this uncertainty, he expressed confidence that Red Bull is on track with their development plans and making good progress in preparing for the new regulations.

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In the end, you really will see once see when the engines are running out on track in 2026, but so far we at Red Bull are on plan.
Helmut Marko stated

Helmut Marko reveals Red Bull was close to sign a deal with Porsche than Ford

Helmut Marko explained creating their own Formula 1 engine was a bold and costly decision for Red Bull. This led Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder of the Red Bull, to worry about whether they could successfully develop the engine on their own and the high costs involved. Despite these concerns, several other manufacturers expressed interest in collaborating with Red Bull. This indicated that while the team chose to take a significant risk, there was recognition of their potential within the industry.

To make our own F1 engine was a brave decision, and also a very costly one. So Mr. Dietrich Mateschitz was worried. First, that we can do it alone. And secondly, about the costs. There had been some interest from other manufacturers who contacted us for cooperation.
Helmut Marko explained
Helmut Marko and RB20
Helmut Marko and RB20 (via IMAGO)

Further, Helmut Marko stated that when Porsche approached Red Bull, they would have been the perfect partner from a marketing perspective. However, the partnership didn’t happen because they had different ideas about how to make it work. He noted that if it had been a 50/50 partnership, it would have been difficult to manage due to the differing views on how to proceed. This situation highlighted the challenges of collaboration with differing expectations, leading Red Bull to choose Ford instead of Porsche.

So when Porsche came around, from a marketing point of view, they would have been the ideal partner. In the end, it didn’t work out because we had different views. How it should work and if it was a 50/50 partnership it was never going to be easy.
Helmut Marko added

Certainly, Helmut Marko explained that they didn’t like the idea of working with Porsche due to differing views on collaboration. Despite Porsche being an ideal marketing partner, they chose Ford instead because they preferred the American carmaker’s approach of working with them.

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