For the first time in over two decades, Helmut Marko is set to watch a Formula 1 season from the outside. That hasn’t stopped him from making predictions about how 2026 will play out.
Marko stepped away from his long-standing advisory role with Red Bull at the end of last year. At 82, it seems unlikely he’ll be taking up another position within the sport anytime soon.
Even so, Marko still has plenty of connections around the paddock and, without Red Bull’s PR team holding him back, might become even more vocal than before.
Red Bull aren’t expected to hit the ground running in 2026. Mercedes are seen as early favourites, with world champions McLaren not far behind.
Helmut Marko Shares Positive Williams Buzz Ahead of 2026 Season
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko said he could see Lando Norris retaining his title. The Briton beat Max Verstappen by just two points to clinch his first crown in Abu Dhabi, with teammate Oscar Piastri also close behind.
Marko also believes George Russell needs to be in the mix for the championship. The Mercedes driver has five Grand Prix wins but is still chasing a title and may now have an opening.
The sweeping rule changes for 2026 could shake up the grid, and Marko thinks Williams are one team worth watching.
“So it could be Lando Norris again,” he said when asked for his predictions. “Williams is also making considerable progress, I hear.
“And if George Russell wants to be at the top, he has to put that into practice now and fight for the World Championship.”
Williams have already predicted when they will win their next race
Williams finished fifth in the world championship last year, marking their best result since 2017. Carlos Sainz even returned them to the podium for the first time in four years.
That performance was even more impressive given their early move towards 2026 development. In fact, they were the first team to pull their 2025 car out of the wind tunnel.
The team hasn’t taken a chequered flag since 2012, but Williams is still one of Formula 1’s most storied teams with seven drivers’ championships and nine constructors’ titles. Team boss James Vowles has made it clear that he sees the new regulations as a chance for Williams to climb back toward the front.
Alex Albon isn’t expecting them to be winning races before 2028, but with a Mercedes power unit and momentum building behind them, Williams could still be one of this season’s surprise packages.
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