P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ousted Red Bull Advisor Dr Helmut Marko has ruled out Max Verstappen as the potential 2026 F1 world champion, throwing his weight behind several of his rivals.
Ousted Red Bull Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has ruled out Max Verstappen as the potential 2026 Formula 1 world champion, throwing his support behind several rivals, including Lando Norris and George Russell.
Verstappen lost the 2025 championship by just two points after a stunning comeback, ending his reign as a four-time consecutive champion.
With new technical regulations and power units in 2026, Verstappen faces challenges in mastering these advancements and ensuring manufacturer reliability.
Marko expressed concerns about potential performance gaps in the field, especially with the introduction of Red Bull’s collaboration with Ford for its new engine.
Despite doubts about Verstappen’s chances in 2026, Marko believes the driver’s ability to think while driving at the limit will be crucial in the new era of Formula 1.
