Helmut Marko left baffled by Christian Horner comments as Red Bull duo at odds in Austria

Helmut Marko has admitted he was shocked by Christian Horner's comments about the Red Bull power unit for the upcoming 2026 season. All OEMs are preparing their engines for the new technical regulations, which represent an opportunity to shake up the order at both ends of the grid.

Since announcing their plans to manufacture their own in-house power units for the 2026 regulations, Red Bull have received support from Honda to see out the ground effect era, but that will not be the case for the new generation of F1 engines. According to team principal Horner, this represents a significant challenge to the Red Bull organisation, which could have a competitive impact for the 2026 season. "It would be arrogant of us to think that we could immediately surpass our competitors," the Brit told Sport Bild.

"Ferrari have been active in this field for 75 years, Mercedes for about 25 years. Audi and Honda have also built some of the world's best engines in different branches of motorsport. We need to earn our stripes first. Next year is a fresh start."

These comments came as a surprise to fellow Red Bull chief Marko, who discussed Horner's feelings ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. "I was surprised when I read that," the 82-year-old told OE24. "Internally, at least, he is talking differently.

"We are within the range of our engine and are of the opinion that we do not have a significant disadvantage at the moment. It may bring surprises. I hope that none of the engine manufacturers will be as superior as Mercedes in 2014."

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Marko went on to add: "The other manufacturers also have to come up with completely new engines for next year. We have recruited people, most of them from established companies."

While Marko and Horner are understandably looking ahead to the new regulations next year, Red Bull's primary focus remains on Max Verstappen's title bid. The Dutchman is chasing his fifth successive Drivers' Championship crown this year but faces intense competition from the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The 27-year-old currently trails Piastri by 43 points after scoring a second-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix last time out, but Verstappen continues to walk a tightrope. The Red Bull racer will receive a one-race suspension if he picks up a single penalty point in Austria this weekend.