Former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has joined a chorus of critics unhappy with Formula 1’s new power‑unit rules. He argues the 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, designed to lure manufacturers, has backfired. The result has welcomed Audi and Ford, returned Honda, but cost Renault a seat.

Marko points to energy‑management rules that force drivers to lift, coast and super‑clip, stalling overtakes and eroding the sport’s raw pace. He cites the Bearman‑Colapinto incident at the Japanese Grand Prix, where a 50‑km/h speed gap created a 30‑mph differential, highlighting safety gaps the FIA must tackle.

He argues that the new era has shifted F1’s focus from pure speed to software‑driven energy strategy, a change that discontented drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton echo. Marko insists genuine overtaking must rely on driver skill, not battery charge states, warning that the sport risks losing its essence.

The FIA will meet again on 20 April after sporting and technical reviews to consider rule changes for this and next seasons. Marko remains optimistic that targeted adjustments—particularly in energy‑harvesting zones and start procedures—can restore competitive balance without sacrificing safety or the sport’s heritage.