Helmut Marko Confident Max Verstappen Will Regain F1 Motivation
Helmut Marko has brushed off Max Verstappen‘s recent suggestions that his passion for Formula 1 might be fading, RN365 reports. Marko is entirely confident that the Dutch driver will rediscover his motivation as soon as the team transforms the struggling RB22 into a competitive machine.
The reigning four-time world champion has been highly critical of the new 2026 technical regulations. He recently described the sport’s current era as «anti-racing» and likened it to «Formula E on steroids» while openly hinting he might walk away from the grid at the end of the year.
This deep frustration has been severely aggravated by Red Bull’s disastrous start to the current campaign. After just three races the Milton Keynes outfit sits a dismal sixth in the constructors’ championship with a mere 16 points.
Fixing the RB22 and looking to 2027
Verstappen previously stated he would gladly battle for seventh or eighth place provided the rules allowed for genuine on-track racing. However Marko recently told Krone Sport that fixing the car’s foundational flaws will naturally lift the driver’s spirits.
«Red Bull has identified some problems with the car and found solutions,» the Austrian explained.
He added that once the car regains its competitive edge Verstappen’s enjoyment and overall mood will bounce back. Marko also noted that this positive shift would be particularly likely if the sport’s governing body considers tweaking the regulations for 2027 to ensure Formula 1 focuses on actual racing rather than fuel conservation.
The upgrades battle and Mercedes’ dominance
While Red Bull furiously works on a response to Ferrari’s innovative «Macarena» wing they are not the only team bringing major updates to the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. McLaren is expected to debut what is essentially a brand-new car while the Scuderia will introduce a massive 50% facelift to their SF-26 challenger.
Despite these sweeping changes across the paddock Marko remains highly sceptical that Red Bull can immediately challenge the early dominance shown by Mercedes. When asked if the championship could reset with these new upgrade packages he was quick to downplay expectations.
He dismissed the idea by pointing out that the Silver Arrows are far too comfortable with a stellar chassis, a formidable power unit and plenty of hidden potential. Suggesting they still have an ace up their sleeve Marko concluded that the Mercedes duo of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are still the undisputed favourites for the title.
