Helmut Marko has delivered a strong critique of Formula 1’s current rules, expressing concerns over the growing complexity of the sport and the impact of hybrid systems. Watching from home following his departure from Red Bull, Marko was particularly critical of the current balance between combustion and electrical power, as well as unpredictable race starts.

“At starts, some cars have always gotten away better and others worse. But now, in addition to turbo lag, there's the battery, which makes the whole thing even more unpredictable,” he said in the interivew for Krone.

He also pointed to a close call between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson in Melbourne as an example of the risks involved. More broadly, Marko believes the sport has become overly complicated.

More broadly, Marko believes the sport has become overly complicated.

“The entire regulations need to be simplified. Superclipping, overtake mode, boost - it's all far too complicated,” he stated.

According to Marko, the heavy focus on energy management is hurting the essence of Formula 1.

“We need to get back to pure racing, because that's been pushed into the background by all the energy management, but perhaps this can be significantly improved with rule changes and further technological advancements,” he added.