Helmut Marko believes that problems linked to F1’s new powertrains have forced the discipline to reconsider its engine formula, with a return to turbocharged V8s in 2030 now “a done deal”.
In the midst of a season in which power units have dominated the headlines, the drama increased further on Sunday at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Helmut Marko reveals F1 turbo V8 engine plan for 2030
Chaos ensued as rain pelted the build-up to the Grand Prix, prompting Race Control to delay the start.
When the on-track action began with two formation laps behind the safety car, polesitter Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and others reported a lack of acceleration.
But as the field slowed behind polesitter Verstappen, meaning he remained P1 on the track, Hamilton briefly stopped on the final straight as Ferrari told him there was “a software issue we are trying to resolve”. He went from second place to the back of the pack.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis later explained that it was a software “bug” that caused the chaotic scenes.
This still meant a long delay as software issues were resolved, before the race could finally start.
Marko says the upside is that this year’s powertrain issues, which included driver complaints about super clipping and battery recovery, forced a rethink. And he says V8 engines will return in 2030.
“The wait was really boring because of the long rain break,” the former Red Bull Motorsport advisor told OE24 about the Malaysian GP.
“The fact that a high-end product like Formula 1 is stopped by a software problem is shameful.
“On the other hand, this embarrassment helps to rethink again. As far as I know, the return to the turbo V8 engine in 2030 is a done deal.”
He nevertheless appreciated the result.
Marko’s former manager Verstappen took his first Grand Prix victory of the new era, and also the first ever for the Red Bull Powertrains division and its in-house powertrain.
“The race itself was great, although I would have been happy to have a real race in the rain, but we waited too long for that,” Marko said.
“So I was happy with Max and Red Bull for the first victory with their own engine.
“It’s impressive what has been achieved. Just think of the time it took Honda, for example…
The 83-year-old revealed he sent Verstappen a message to congratulate him.
Marko hopes this is just the start for Verstappen and Red Bull in the new era of Formula 1.
F1 2026: the winners and losers of the season
Results of the 2026 F1 championship
The rankings for the 2026 F1 Drivers and Constructors Championship
“Malaysia showed what Max is capable of,” he said. “It started on Friday with a solid test session, which Red Bull was able to build on in succession.
“The fact that (Kimi) Antonelli responded in the race with his strong start was refreshing – as was the aggressive driving style that he always impresses me with.
As for next season, Marko says “you can assume” it will be Antonelli versus Verstappen for the world title.
Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp to be informed of the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.
You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!
Read next: FIA makes key decision for Singapore Grand Prix
Gn sports
