Marko hits out at Monaco ’farce’, backs V8 return

Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has criticised Formula 1’s handling of the Monaco pitlane speeding controversy while renewing his call for the return of V8 engines.

Speaking ahead of Red Bull’s home race in Austria, Marko - to be present this weekend for the first time since retiring - said the fallout from the Monaco GP, where Pierre Gasly successfully overturned a pitlane speeding penalty after timing errors were discovered, exposed weaknesses in the sport’s governance.

"The cooperation between Liberty and the FIA needs to be closer and more coordinated," Marko told Kleine Zeitung.

"The farce with the penalties in Monaco, for example, is a poor system."

The FIA later acknowledged errors in the pitlane timing calculations that affected multiple drivers, although Alpine’s successful appeal restored only Gasly’s podium finish. Mercedes initially indicated it would also seek a review of George Russell’s penalty before deciding not to proceed.

Marko believes Formula 1 has become unnecessarily complicated.

"In football, the goal is always the same size, the rules are simple and clear," he said.

"In Formula 1, it’s too complicated."

The 83-year-old also welcomed the recent decision to rebalance the 2027-28 engine regulations while discussions continue about a future return to V8 power.

"Absolutely!" Marko said when asked about V8 engines.

"That would put racing back in its original sense at the centre, and it wouldn’t be like it is now, where you have to manage your energy in qualifying."

"Every corner should be at or beyond the limit - that’s what makes it exciting and what makes it different."

Marko, who retired from Red Bull at the end of 2025, also defended the Austrian GP’s importance despite acknowledging it does not make money.

"Formula 1 is running as usual, there’s no need to worry about that," said the Austrian, who is now an ambassador for the Red Bull-promoted event.

"It’s still a loss-making business, but it brings an incredible image to the region and the entire country."

"Only an event like this can send this kind of publicity out into the world."

He also criticised local opposition to the Red Bull Ring.

"It’s this selfish, petty thinking that people have certain restrictions twice, or at least once, a year, but don’t see what that brings to the region," said Marko.

"It’s all the more incomprehensible to me that some who built their houses even though the Ring was already there are now up in arms."