Marko: “Mercedes seems to have a slight advantage, but Red Bull worked well”

Tests to understand The three days of testing currently underway in Bahrain will serve Formula 1 teams first and foremost, but also professionals and enthusiasts, to begin to clarify their ideas on the initial balance of power of the 2026 season, that of the regulatory revolution.
In particular, the magnifying glass is focused on Mercedes which, net of the case of the compression ratio, is indicated as the potential favourite. Helmut Marko’s clues In an interview given to the Swiss Blick, Helmut Marko spoke about his farewell to Formula 1: “I don’t feel the need to return to the paddock yet, but I will inform myself daily. And in Australia I will sit in front of the television at five in the morning”.
The former Austrian consultant then ventured a hint of prediction: “Mercedes seems to have a slight advantage, but will they be able to materialize it? This time petrol also plays an important role. Red Bull has worked well with its engine so far and it needs to be like this to keep Verstappen in a good mood.” Marko then concluded: “In the Bahrain tests it will be interesting to find out who did their homework best in Barcelona. But the cooling of the batteries could cause problems. The numerous unknowns will surprise some and the new minimum weight of 770 kg also plays a central role.”