Helmut Marko stunned by shocking Christian Horner claims

After the regulation changes come into play in 2026, the Red Bull Racing team use their own power unit for the first time in their history in the competition in collaboration with Ford.

In recent years, the racing team spared no effort or expense in an attempt to make the engine project a success.

Horner previously warned that it would be "arrogant" to assume that Red Bull could immediately surpass the competition. With this, he caused quite a stir, Marko admitted as well.

"I was also surprised when I read that," the Austrian admitted in an interview with oe24. "Internally, he [Horner] certainly speaks differently."

Marko reassured the team's fans that the they seem to be in a good position regarding the power unit. "We believe we do not currently have a significant disadvantage," he said.

The Austrian was also asked in the interview whether he is not afraid that the engine becomes too big an uncertainty for Max Verstappen. "The other manufacturers also have to build completely new engines next year."

He continued: "We have experienced people, many of whom we have snatched away from established companies."

"This [the new regulations] could indeed lead to surprises. I hope that no engine manufacturer becomes as dominant as Mercedes in 2014," the top advisor concluded ahead of his team's home Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.