The new Formula 1 season is about to get underway and, as always, the first evaluations come from some of the most experienced figures in the paddock. Among them is Helmut Marko, who has offered his early assessment of the 2026 championship battle following pre-season tests and initial shakedown runs, outlining what he believes could be the competitive order at the front.
Marko’s prediction: Mercedes ahead, but watch Ferrari
According to the former Red Bull advisor, the first real benchmark will be the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. However, he believes that some early indications have already emerged from testing. In an interview with Kleine Zeitung, Marko suggested that the overall picture will only become clearer after the opening races, while hinting at a potential early hierarchy.
“Red Bull close to Mercedes? Let’s wait and see what happens in Melbourne. Mercedes ran with more fuel on board and did not push the engine to its maximum. I see them ahead of Ferrari, then McLaren, and finally Red Bull behind this trio.”
This assessment still places the Scuderia firmly among the protagonists in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship, but not yet as the outright benchmark of the grid. In Marko’s view, the four top teams appear destined to operate in a league of their own compared to the rest of the field.
“The top teams will be unreachable for the other outfits. It will be very difficult to break into the top five because eight cars will be significantly faster than the others.”
Power unit reliability and the performance question
Beyond his general snapshot of the competitive order, Helmut Marko also addressed the technical aspects that emerged during testing, with particular emphasis on the reliability of the new Red Bull-Ford power unit. Reliability, especially at the start of a new regulatory cycle, could prove decisive in shaping the balance of the championship.
“I was surprised by the reliability; it is certainly a good base to start from.”
Finally, Helmut Marko turned his attention to the younger generation, focusing on Isack Hadjar and the challenging task of measuring up to Max Verstappen over the long term. Competing alongside a multiple world champion is never straightforward, and Marko stressed the importance of patience and gradual development.
“He needs to be patient to ‘build’ the speed required to stay close to Verstappen. In the long runs he performed well; among Max’s recent team-mates, he was the one who came closest to him.”
As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches its first race weekend, Helmut Marko’s words add another layer of intrigue: Ferrari is expected to fight for the title, but in his view, Mercedes may start with a slight edge. The stopwatch in Melbourne will soon provide the first real answers.
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