Helmut Marko says Max Verstappen may remember why he loves F1 at the Chinese Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen is quickly falling out of love with F1 due to the new regulations, but former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is hopeful that the Chinese Grand Prix will rekindle his passion.

There hasn’t been another driver who has been more critical of F1’s new regulatory era than Max Verstappen.

In fact, Verstappen predicted the issues that the grid now faces with the new regulations back in 2023, declaring that they looked “pretty terrible” after sifting through some data from a Monza simulation.

The worry that Red Bull now have is whether the four-time world champion will end up calling it quits on his time in F1 due to his unhappiness with the new trajectory that the sport is taking.

What can F1 do to regain Max Verstappen’s approval?

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He’s made it clear that he’ll simply retire when he’s no longer having fun, which has led David Coulthard to theorise on Verstappen potentially taking a sabbatical and returning to the F1 grid a bit further down the line.

Still, Helmut Marko is hopeful for his former driver to rediscover his mojo in the pinnacle of single-seater motor racing, and believes that the Chinese Grand Prix could be the perfect circuit for him to do exactly that.

• READ MORE: Helmut Marko warns Red Bull it is ‘only logical’ Max Verstappen could leave to chase real F1 dream

Helmut Marko is hopeful of Max Verstappen rediscovering his love for F1 in Shanghai

In an interview with Krone ahead of the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, the former Red Bull special advisor was asked for his thoughts on what Verstappen is capable of this year despite his ongoing furore with F1’s new era.

Marko began by touching upon how the teams will arrive in China with an altered method of energy management, due to the differing layout at the Shanghai International Circuit.

What do you expect from Max Verstappen in the 2026 F1 season?

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“A separate energy management program has to be developed for each track,” he said. “Even in Shanghai, the track layout is completely different, where it’s easier to recharge energy because there are more braking zones.

“Perhaps that will help Max rediscover his enjoyment of the sport, but I don’t see him in contention for the world championship title this year.”

Despite the incredible comeback drive that saw him take P6 at the chequered flag from P20 on the grid in Australia, Verstappen continued to push for F1 to make amendments to the regulations.

• READ MORE: Helmut Marko complains 2026 regulations are ‘too tedious’ after watching Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has previously praised the Chinese Grand Prix

While the Chinese Grand Prix hasn’t been the most lucrative circuit for Verstappen in terms of race wins, it’s still a circuit that the Dutchman holds in high regard.

Following his fourth place at last year’s edition of the race, Verstappen noted via AutoRacing1, “Overall, it was nice racing in Shanghai: it is a great track and great city.”

His omission from the podium in 2025 came after he secured his first victory at the circuit in the year prior, on his way to a fourth consecutive F1 world title.

Verstappen had only secured one podium on Chinese tarmac before his 2024 rout, with a P3 in 2017 serving as his best result at the circuit before he stood on the top step.