Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Helmut Marko has delivered a blunt assessment of Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the Formula 1 world championship in 2026, stating that he does not expect the Red Bull Racing driver to be a genuine title contender this season.
Verstappen began the new era of Formula 1 with a determined recovery drive at the season-opening race at the Albert Park Circuit. After crashing in the first part of qualifying and starting from 20th on the grid, the Dutch driver fought through the field to finish sixth in the Australian Grand Prix.
Despite gaining 14 positions during the race, Verstappen remained dissatisfied with the performance of the RB22. One of the key challenges this season has been managing the new power unit configuration, where power output is now split almost evenly between combustion and electrical energy.
This change has placed a major emphasis on energy management during both qualifying and race conditions. Circuits such as Melbourne have proven particularly demanding in terms of energy usage, which has influenced the competitiveness of several teams.
Speaking to Austrian newspaper Krone, Marko explained that teams must now develop specific energy management strategies for every circuit on the calendar.
“A separate energy management program has to be developed for each track.”
“Even in Shanghai, the track layout is completely different, where it’s easier to recharge energy because there are more braking zones.”
However, Marko remains sceptical that the characteristics of the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit will significantly improve Verstappen’s chances of competing for the championship.
“Perhaps that will help Max rediscover his enjoyment of the sport. But I don’t see him in contention for the world championship title this year.”
Marko also expressed concern about the overall spectacle of Formula 1 following the opening race in Melbourne, suggesting that the new racing dynamic has altered the nature of overtaking.
“The first few laps were quite entertaining, but a lot still needs to happen for Formula 1 to live up to its reputation again.”
“Many of the manoeuvres weren’t real overtaking, but rather someone with a full battery passing someone with a dead battery.”
Despite their long-standing relationship, Marko admitted he chose not to contact Verstappen immediately after the race, believing the driver needed space following a frustrating weekend.
“I saw his face when he got out of the cockpit. That’s when I knew it was best not to talk to him.”
“His radio messages reflected that.”
With the championship still in its early stages, attention now shifts to the Chinese Grand Prix, where teams will continue adapting to the technical demands of Formula 1’s new power unit era.
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