Marko dismisses key factor in Red Bull Powertrains drive

Helmut Marko has dismissed the idea that Formula 1 personnel are moving to Red Bull Powertrains simply for the money on offer.

After Honda's withdrawal at the end of 2021, Red Bull committed to launching its own power units division, which is currently preparing for the Ford partnership due to start in 2026.

As RBPT continues to grow, the team has been able to secure personnel from Mercedes' engine division, but Marko has denied suggestions that this is only because the financial packages on offer.

Marko denies RBPT claims

"We have a massive structure, if someone can earn three times as much with the competition, then you can't blame them for the change, but key personnel are still with us," Motorsport Advisor Marko told Speedweek.

"We are attractive to [new employees] as racers. Our spirit, our passion. We have a campus that now has 15 buildings, we have chassis and engine development in place and are the only team to have that apart from Ferrari.

"In the next few weeks, the first complete power unit will be running on the test bench, i.e. with the combustion engine, MGU-K and battery. We are on track."

The new 2026 rules will see greater electrical energy created, with 50% of the power coming from the internal combustion engine, and the remainder from the electrical system.

Marko feels that the increase in weight "is not a good thing" owing to the cars getting even heavier, but was confident about where RBPT stacks up compared to the competition.

"We will race with e-fuels, so emissions will no longer play a role," he said.

"We are, we think, on a par with Mercedes in terms of development, I can't judge Renault but Ferrari is behind us. With Ford coming in, everything is going according to plan."