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Marko: New F1 Rules Could Shake Up Grid
17 Jan
Summary
- Helmut Marko predicts Lando Norris and George Russell as 2026 contenders.
- New F1 regulations in 2026 may significantly widen performance gaps.
- Mercedes' engine package is expected to play a crucial role in 2026.
Helmut Marko, a former Red Bull advisor, forecasts significant shifts in the 2026 Formula 1 season due to new regulations. He suggests Lando Norris and potentially George Russell could be strong contenders for the championship, contingent on the performance of their respective car manufacturers, particularly Mercedes. Marko highlights that the engine package will be a decisive factor, predicting Mercedes could lead the charge.
The Austrian veteran anticipates that the upcoming regulatory reset will widen the performance gaps between teams, contrasting with the close competition seen in the previous season. He noted that factors like the internal combustion engine, battery performance, software, and sustainable fuel all contribute to the complexity, potentially creating substantial differences in pace between drivers, even within the same team.
With new engine suppliers and technical regulations coming into play, Red Bull Powertrains faces a substantial challenge as a new manufacturer. The 2026 season is widely expected to reshuffle the competitive order, with teams like Alpine and Williams also tipped for increased competitiveness if they leverage Mercedes' power unit effectively.
