Red Bull's 2026 Formula 1 recovery praised

Helmut Marko, a former advisor to Red Bull Racing, has praised the team's recovery in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Red Bull, which started the season with a car that was more than a second slower than Mercedes, has gradually closed the performance gap and regained victory in several races.

Leadership and motivation credited

Marko attributes this progress to the leadership of Laurent Mekies and the team's ability to respond effectively to early-season difficulties, which has also helped Max Verstappen regain his motivation. Verstappen, the four-time world champion, had faced the possibility of his first winless season since 2015.

Key improvements and race wins

At the start of the season, Red Bull's RB22 was the fourth fastest car on the grid. However, the introduction of a new flat floor and aerodynamic improvements during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked a turning point. After narrowly missing victory in Baku, Red Bull confirmed its progress by winning the Malaysian and Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen's performance and confidence

According to Marko, the return to the forefront of the championship demonstrates the expertise of Red Bull Racing. He noted that Max Verstappen has regained his energy and is extremely motivated, with Singapore being one of the best races of his career. These results have allowed Verstappen to regain a car capable of regularly winning.

Predictions and championship outlook

Marko suggested that Verstappen could finish as vice-world champion, despite Kimi Antonelli's strong position to win the title. The battle for second place remains tight, with Verstappen still able to finish ahead of George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc in the drivers' championship. Despite his third-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen remains on a run of six consecutive podiums.