Helmut Marko has heard that F1 dark horse has made ‘considerable progress’ before 2026

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Helmut Marko has made some early predictions for the 2026 Formula 1 season. For the first time in over 20 years, he won’t be actively involved in the sport.

Marko left his seemingly eternal role as a Red Bull advisor at the end of last season. At the age of 82, it seems unlikely that he’ll take on a role with another team.

Still, Marko retains all his contacts in the paddock and he may now be even more outspoken in the media than he was previously without the Red Bull PR department to restrict him.

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Red Bull are expecting to struggle at the start of the 2026 season, with Mercedes entering the year as the favourite, perhaps just ahead of world champions McLaren.

Helmut Marko has heard good things about Williams before 2026 F1 season

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Marko said he could see Lando Norris retaining his title. The Briton beat Max Verstappen by just two points to clinch his first crown in Abu Dhabi, with teammate Oscar Piastri also close behind.

But Marko also believes that Mercedes driver George Russell ‘has to’ fight for the biggest prize. While Russell is a five-time Grand Prix winner, he may now have a chance to take the next step.

Of course, the wholesale rule changes for 2026 raise the possibility of a change to the traditional pecking order. Marko has told fans to keep an eye on Williams in that regard.

Finish the sentence: In 2026, Carlos Sainz will finish ____ in the championship with Williams

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“So it could be Lando Norris again,” he said when asked for his predictions. “Williams is also making considerable progress, I hear.

“And if George Russell wants to be at the top, he has to put that into practice now and fight for the World Championship.”

Williams have already predicted when they will win their next race

Williams finished fifth in last year’s world championship, their best position since 2017. Carlos Sainz got them back on the podium for the first time in four years.

That performance was even more impressive in light of their early switch to 2026 development. In fact, they were the first team to pull their 2025 car out of the wind tunnel.

Williams haven’t won a race since 2012, but remain one of the most iconic names in Formula 1 with seven drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships. James Vowles has long emphasised that the 2026 rules offer them a chance to rejoin the elite.

While Alex Albon isn’t expecting wins until 2028, Williams are certainly one of the dark horses entering the new season, particularly with a Mercedes power unit in the back.