Helmut Marko stunned after Christian Horner comment: 'I was surprised'

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko revealed that he was "surprised" to hear team principal Christian Horner play down the chances of the outfit's 2026 power unit being strong. Horner recently outlined that the Milton Keynes-based team's power unit next season should not be expected to be the best, something which left Marko stunned.  The Austrian outfit will produce its own power units from next year for the first time in the team's history, putting significant pressure on Red Bull.  Despite Horner's comments, Marko confirmed that within the team's camp, the Red Bull boss is speaking more positively about its engines.  "I was surprised when I read that," Marko told OE24 . "Internally at least he is talking differently. We are within the range of our engine and are of the opinion that we do not have a significant disadvantage at the moment.  "It may bring surprises. I hope that none of the engine manufacturers will be as superior as Mercedes in 2014." Despite it being Red Bull's first experience of being a power unit supplier, it has hired several individuals from major rivals with F1 engine knowledge. "The other manufacturers also have to come up with completely new engines for next year," added Marko. "We have recruited people, most of them from established companies." The big question, though, is whether Red Bull can keep Max Verstappen for next season to lead its charge in the new era of F1.  Marko is aware that Toto Wolff remains eager to sign the Dutchman; however, the 82-year-old is insistent that the four-time world champion will not leave. "Toto Wolff wants to win," recognised Marko. "And he knows very well that the chances are greater if he has a Verstappen. But Max will stay with Red Bull next year."