Marko Taps Norris as 2026 Favorite Citing Mercedes Power

Helmut Marko has pinpointed Lando Norris as the favorite for the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship, citing the strength of the Mercedes power unit as the deciding factor. The former Red Bull advisor expressed concern that the upcoming regulatory overhaul could trigger a massive divergence in performance across the grid, potentially reviving the dominance Mercedes displayed in 2014.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season brings a radical reset to F1, with new power unit regulations, active aerodynamics, and revised chassis rules. If Marko’s fears materialize and Mercedes holds a significant technical advantage, the tight competition seen in recent years could evaporate, handing a structural advantage to customer teams like McLaren and Williams.

The details:

• Power Unit Concerns: Marko emphasized the complexity of the new regulations, which involve the combustion engine, battery deployment, and software for grid connection. He fears these variables will create larger gaps between the manufacturers.
• The Mercedes Factor: Beyond Norris, Marko acknowledged Williams' progress and challenged George Russell to capitalize on the equipment if he wants to fight for the title.
• Driver Skill: Despite the focus on machinery, Marko believes the new rules will reward high-caliber driving. He noted that Max Verstappen's ability to process data while pushing at the limit will be a "huge advantage," with Fernando Alonso also likely to benefit from the increased technical demands.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations set to redefine the competitive order, teams are currently in a high-stakes development race. While Mercedes-powered entries look threatening on paper, the true hierarchy will only emerge once the new cars hit the track, determining if the field spreads out or remains tightly packed.