Formula 1 veterans Bernie Ecclestone (95) and Helmut Marko (83) say they are enjoying the 2026 F1 season. While the drivers complain bitterly about the new regulations and the emphasis on energy management, these seasoned veterans see that the premier class still delivers an ‘exciting’ product. Moreover, both are convinced that the new generation will make their mark this year and that Kimi Antonelli will take the title.
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“Yes, the 2026 races are exciting,” Bernie Ecclestone and Helmut Marko agreed in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Blick. “It is fascinating to see the enthusiasm among the public.” Marko, who never minced words during his time as Red Bull’s top advisor, praised the quality of racing during the Hungarian GP.
“Even at the Hungaroring, where the race is usually a kind of procession to the finish, there were a few overtaking maneuvers. Verstappen’s was without a doubt one of the highlights of the entire season,” he referred to the Dutchman’s overtaking move in the first corner. Verstappen first passed Liam Lawson and then dived inside Lewis Hamilton.
Kimi Antonelli champion
Despite the exciting races, both Ecclestone and Marko already think they know who will become world champion. “Antonelli will win the title,” they judged. Although George Russell was considered the big favorite beforehand, the Italian revelation is convincingly leading the world championship. Between the Grands Prix of China and Monaco, Antonelli won five races in a row. The tally now stands at six wins, and he goes into the summer break with a fifty-point lead over Hamilton, his main challenger.
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Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
