Despite his status as a four-time world champion, Max Verstappen would not be among the favorites for the title this season according to one of his closest supporters in the paddock.
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Formula 1’s new technical era does not seem to be immediately smiling on Max Verstappen. During the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver nevertheless managed a spectacular comeback, finishing sixth after starting from last place.
The Dutchman had seen his qualifying hopes vanish after going off track in the first part of qualifying, before he had even set a single lap time.
Despite this fine comeback in the race, Verstappen remained very critical of his car and the new technical requirements of the sport. Energy management, now much more central with an equal power distribution between the internal combustion engine and electric energy, seems to particularly frustrate the four-time world champion.
These new constraints make driving more strategic and less instinctive, which does not necessarily match the aggressive driving style that has been the strength of the Red Bull driver in recent years.
Helmut Marko cools title hopes
The observation is all the more surprising as it comes from one of the Dutch driver’s most fervent supporters: Helmut Marko. The former iconic advisor to the Red Bull team did not hesitate to deliver a particularly pessimistic analysis of Verstappen’s chances for the 2026 season.
In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Krone, Marko believes that the current characteristics of the cars considerably complicate the world champion’s task.
“A specific energy management program must be developed for each circuit, he explains. Even in Shanghai, the layout is very different, with more braking zones that allow for easier energy recharging.”
But despite this, the Austrian is particularly categorical regarding his protégé’s title ambitions.
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“This could help Max find enjoyment behind the wheel again. But I don’t see him fighting for the world championship this year.”
A Formula 1 that is losing its DNA?
Beyond the Verstappen case, Helmut Marko also expressed his concerns regarding the overall evolution of the sport. After watching the Melbourne race from home, the former Red Bull executive believes that Formula 1 still needs to progress to regain the intensity that made its reputation.
“The first laps were quite entertaining, but there is still much to be done for Formula 1 to return to its level. Many maneuvers were not real overtakes, but simply a car with a full battery passing another with an empty battery.”
Despite their very close relationship, Helmut Marko even chose not to contact Verstappen after the Australian race. The reason? The Dutch driver’s state of mind when getting out of his car.
“I saw his face when he got out of the cockpit. At that moment, I realized it was better not to talk to him.”
The driver’s radio messages during the race had already betrayed his frustration with the car’s current limits.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, the rest of the season will therefore largely depend on their ability to adapt quickly to this new technical era of Formula 1. The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix weekend, held at the Shanghai circuit, could already offer a first clue as to their real potential in the fight for the championship.
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