Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko insists there is \u201cno evidence\u201d that Mercedes will have the best engine when Formula 1\u2019s new technical regulations come into effect in 2026.<\/p>\n
F1 is set for one of its biggest regulation overhauls in history, with both the chassis and engine to be revamped simultaneously next year.<\/p>\n
The power unit is a particular area of focus for manufacturers, with the rules mandating that 50 per cent of the power must be derived from electric components, despite the MGU-H being dropped from the hybrid system.<\/p>\n
Mercedes<\/a> is widely believed to be ahead in the development race, just as it was during the transition to the current V6 turbo-hybrid formula in 2014.<\/p>\n But Marko is refusing to buy into those claims, telling Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung: \u201cMercedes has declared itself the favourite, but there’s no evidence of that.<\/p>\n \u201cThe development of the combustion engine alone is incredible. The engine is smaller than the one in my lawnmower!\u201d<\/p>\n Asked to provide an update on Red Bull\u2019s first in-house engine programme, for which it has collaborated with American automaker Ford, Marko added: \u201cThere are three or four things that are important for the new car: the combustion engine. We’re on board with that, and unless there are durability issues, it won’t be a game-changer.<\/p>\n \u201cThe battery is crucial; we’re starting with a conventional solution for that, and petrol is a very important factor. Development in this area is going very well with our partner Exxon.\u201d<\/p>\n F1<\/a> teams face a tough balancing act in 2025 due to the budget cap, as allocating too many resources on upgrading their current cars could leave them on the back foot for the new rule cycle from 2026.<\/p>\n Red Bull has slumped to fourth in the constructors\u2019 championship this year due to issues with the RB21, although its star driver Max Verstappen<\/a> remains third in the drivers\u2019 standings, behind only McLaren<\/a> duo Oscar Piastri<\/a> and Lando Norris.<\/a><\/p>\n