Jul.21 (GMM) Toto Wolff may have intensified the dispute over Formula 1’s new engine equalisation system by openly declaring Mercedes has the most powerful power unit on the grid.
The Mercedes boss made the claim after George Russell’s retirement at Spa, where another electrical problem left the Briton exposed before his first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton.
“We have the most powerful power unit and a top car capable of winning,” he said. “Everyone is doing everything they can to minimise mistakes.
“But they simply happen because humans are at work here.”
The remark attracted attention because the FIA’s initial analysis identified Red Bull-Ford as having the strongest combustion engine.
That assessment denied Red Bull access to the ADUO mechanism, which allows weaker manufacturers additional power unit development opportunities. Red Bull has argued for weeks that Mercedes is actually producing more overall power.
When Asked about Wolff’s apparent admission, Laurent Mekies smiled: “I think Toto’s right,” the Red Bull boss said.
“And that’s why they had a significant advantage on the straights, something we’ve seen over several weekends.”
Wolff’s comments are not expected to alter the FIA’s existing calculation, which focused on the combustion engine rather than the full performance of the hybrid power unit.
However, they will add to the pressure on the governing body ahead of its next assessment cycle.
Mercedes has clearly emerged as the strongest-performing power unit manufacturer, although reliability and unpredictable energy deployment remain serious problems.
“That’s the story of our season,” said Wolff. “We’ve already lost a lot of points because of this. We should actually have a much bigger lead.”
Mercedes customer McLaren has also become increasingly frustrated with the complexity and inconsistency of the new power units.
Oscar Piastri was scathing after Spa. “I certainly wasn’t the only one complaining,” he said.
“I know that George has had a lot of problems with it this weekend and perhaps over the last few races as well. And when I talk to others, I hear similar stories.”
“If the grid is essentially determined before qualifying by computers that may or may not behave properly, then that is a pretty crap way of going racing.”
World champion Lando Norris offered a similar assessment.
“So much, so much, is beyond your control,” he said. “It’s a shame that in qualifying, so many factors dictate your own pace. And nothing depends on the driver.”
As for Russell, whose points deficit to teammate Kimi Antonelli is now 50 points, the Briton admitted repeated setbacks have left him emotionally “numb”.
French broadcaster RMC Sport even wondered whether Russell was now being “abandoned by Mercedes”.
Wolff said the team must reverse that mood. “You have to understand that the driver reacts very emotionally in such situations,” he said.
“On the other hand, as a Formula 1 driver, you belong to a very special elite. I consider it a great honour to drive a Mercedes.”
“That’s why I hope this feeling of numbness will disappear again. We will try to create optimism and a positive attitude again.”
