Marko Calls 2026 Red Bull Ford Victory 'Unbelievable'

Helmut Marko believes that securing even a single victory with Red Bull's in-house Ford power unit in 2026 would be an "unbelievable" feat. As the team prepares for a new era with overhauled chassis and engine regulations, the former advisor highlighted the immense challenge of competing against established manufacturers from a standing start.

Why it matters:

Red Bull has built its legacy on beating manufacturers using customer engines, but 2026 forces them into a completely different arena. Becoming a full works team validates their massive financial investment and engineering ambition. Success here would not only defy the decades of experience held by rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari but also secure their long-term future independent of external partners.

The details:

• High Stakes: Marko admitted the engine program was a "big investment," costing significantly more than anticipated, yet crucial for the team's autonomy following Honda's initial withdrawal.
• Newcomer Status: Despite their dominance on the track, Red Bull is a rookie in power unit manufacturing. Marko noted that simply having a front-running engine would be a major success, but winning in the debut year would exceed expectations.
• The Competition: The team faces a steep learning curve against giants like Mercedes and Ferrari, as well as the incoming Audi works team. Predicting the pecking order under the new rules is currently a "lottery."
• Team Culture: When asked how they plan to rival established engine builders, Marko pointed to Red Bull’s unique DNA. "We are a bit crazy," he stated, emphasizing that once they commit to a goal, they pursue it with total passion and proper execution.
• Driver Lineup: The challenge falls to Max Verstappen, aiming for redemption after missing the 2025 title, and new teammate Isack Hadjar, who steps up after an impressive rookie season.

Looking Ahead:

While Marko expressed confidence in the chassis department, the 2026 season hinges on the reliability and performance of the new Ford power unit. If Red Bull can translate their "crazy" ambition into immediate track success, it would be one of the most significant achievements in the sport's recent history.