Helmut Marko appeals to make the F1 cars ‘smaller and lighter’ to keep up with new engine regulations

While the new regulations could prove effective on low-mid speed sections, it is feared that the cars will struggle on high-speed straights.

Helmut Marko appeals to make the F1 cars ‘smaller and lighter’ to keep up with new engine regulations

Helmut Marko (Credits: TheSportsRush)

Red Bull is currently the only team going against the FIA for the new engine regulations in 2026. Broadly, the new rules state that the power output of the cars will be split in half. That is, 50% from the I.C engine and 50% from electric motors powered by a battery. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko got into the technical details as he explained the flaws in this plan.

Marko expressed his concerns over the heavy-weight battery and how they would cause difficulties in the current lightweight cars. He was worried about the safety of the drivers and said that they would have to widen the tracks by at least one meter if the cars were to get that heavy.

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“The cars have to become lighter and smaller again. If you then need 30 liters of fuel just to charge the battery, then something is wrong in terms of approach,” Marko told motorsport-total.com. He was also worried about losing the slipstream effect due to the car’s new structure.

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According to the regulations, the vehicle would have to be thinned such that it no longer has air resistance. This would end slipstreaming, a primary move for overtaking on straights. “The fact that you then have to slim down the car aerodynamically so that it no longer has air resistance causes the effect of the slipstream to be lost,” Marko added.

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Former F1 driver claims credit for Red Bull’s domination does not go to their car

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Credits: The SportsRush)

With a 256 point lead in the constructors’ standings and Max Verstappen’s 125-point lead in the WDC standings, it seems almost inevitable that Red Bull will clinch both the trophies this season. While many attribute this success to the RB-19, former F1 driver Marc Surer has claimed Max Verstappen is the key.

Although he admitted that the RB-19 is the best car on the grid, Surer believes that Verstappen’s flawless driving makes it appear more scary than it is. He said that Red Bull and Sergio Perez are on the same level, but the rest is all Verstappen.

“I believe that the Red Bull’s level is where Checo Perez is. He is a good driver but not a superstar. All the rest is made up by Max. Yes, he’s in the best car, but the best car isn’t as overwhelmingly dominant as Max seems to make it,” Surer told Former1.de.

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