Dr. Helmut Marko, the former motorsport advisor for Red Bull, emphasizes that for the Milton Keynes team to keep their four-time champion, Max Verstappen, satisfied, they must consistently deliver a competitive power unit.
After concluding their partnership with Honda at the end of 2025, Red Bull introduced Red Bull Powertrains in collaboration with Ford, coinciding with the implementation of the new championship regulations that feature a nearly equal balance between internal combustion and electric power.
Recent private testing conducted in Barcelona from January 26 to 30, along with the initial days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, suggest that Red Bull has made significant strides with their powertrain.
Marko, who departed from his position at Red Bull at the close of 2025, stated in an interview that the team must maintain strong performance in this area to retain their star driver.
“Mercedes appears to have a slight edge,” the Austrian remarked. “But the question is whether they can convert that into actual success, as fuel is a vital factor this time around. Red Bull has performed admirably with their engine so far, and sustaining this is essential for keeping Verstappen content.”
Max Verstappen has been candid about his willingness to contemplate retirement if the regulatory changes in 2026 do not align with his preferences. “While my contract extends to 2028, my future in Formula 1 hinges on the upcoming rules in 2026, and they need to be enjoyable,” he shared last year.
He added, “If they don’t provide excitement, I don’t envision myself sticking around. Winning seven championships isn’t my primary focus. I recognize there are still three seasons ahead, so it could be feasible, but it’s not a necessity for me before exiting the sport. I could easily walk away tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his initial impressions of the new regulation vehicles during the Bahrain pre-season testing, Verstappen expressed that the experience was “not particularly enjoyable.”
