P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Christian Horner recently revealed that Red Bull should not simply be expected to build the best engine in 2026, to the amazement of Helmut Marko.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko expressed surprise at team principal Christian Horner’s comments downplaying the performance expectations for the team’s 2026 power unit. The Milton Keynes-based team will be developing their own power units for the first time next season, and Marko believes they are within a competitive range. Despite external skepticism, Marko noted that Horner is more optimistic about the new engines internally. Red Bull has recruited individuals with F1 engine expertise from rival manufacturers and is preparing for potential surprises in the upcoming season. Despite interest from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, Marko is confident that star driver Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
