Helmut Marko Slams F1’s New Era: “Passing, Not Overtaking”
Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has delivered a sharp critique of Formula 1’s new technical regulations, claiming that Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix featured “passing, not overtaking.”
George Russell secured victory in a Mercedes 1-2, converting pole into a win after an early wheel-to-wheel battle with Charles Leclerc. The lead changed hands eight times before Russell pitted under the first Virtual Safety Car, providing an exciting start to the race.
“The pulse was up because you knew the starting phase would bring surprises,” Marko told sport.de.
“The first laps were a good show, but after Mercedes drove away, it was clear what dominance and advantage they have. In the classic sense, overtaking has not improved in any way.”
Marko argued that many moves were battery-dependent rather than true overtakes:
“There were no real overtaking manoeuvres where someone brakes later or comes out of a corner. What is most disturbing is when you hear someone take their foot off the gas on the straight. That’s hard to connect with the DNA of Formula 1.”
While he acknowledged criticism from drivers—including Max Verstappen calling the regulations “super frustrating”—Marko insisted the new rules should be given a chance:
“It will certainly get better. All that in detail was far too complicated for me, too stupid in a way, but it will improve.”
Marko also praised Mercedes’ performance, particularly Kimi Antonelli, who recovered from seventh at the start to challenge for the podium:
“Antonelli drove back to second place relatively quickly, roughly one second faster than the rest in this phase. The car was on rails—a really good performance compared to previous years.”
He noted that the Ferraris’ strong starts highlighted the importance of starting performance, and hopes similar competitiveness will continue in future races.
Marko’s comments underline the ongoing debate over the 2026 F1 regulations, with excitement in some phases of racing but criticism that classic overtaking has yet to return.