Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff has the assertion that Red Bull has gained a new competitive edge with their recent upgrade package unveiled during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen surged through the pack from a P6 start, eventually claiming his eighth consecutive win at Spa, leaving teammate Sergio Perez trailing by 22.3 seconds in his wake.
Even amidst the evident dominance displayed by both Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Toto Wolff remains convinced that Mercedes’ Formula 1 rivals have managed to extend their lead over the rest of the pack.
This assertion comes after the championship leaders made significant alterations to their sidepods and floor before the Belgian Grand Prix.
Reflecting on the dominance Mercedes had, the Austrian team principal doubts it’s on par with Red Bull.
As per Motorsport.com, Toto Wolff said: “I don’t know whether our dominance was similar or less as I think we had years where we did it in the same way, but at least we had two cars that were fighting each other.”
“So that caused a little bit of entertainment for everyone, and that’s not the case at the moment.
“It is what it is and I often say that it’s a meritocracy and it’s up to us to fight back. Did we expect that gap? Certainly not. I think with the last step of upgrade, it seems they have another advantage that they that were able to exploit.
“But again, it always gets me back to the point of we have just got to dig in and do the best possible job.”