Max Verstappen claims Toto Wolff is employing ‘diversion tactics’ in F1.
Max Verstappen has accused Toto Wolff of employing “diversion tactics” after the Mercedes team principal praised the performance of Red Bull’s new car and power unit during this week’s preseason testing in Bahrain.
Following significant regulatory changes over the winter, Mercedes entered the new era of Formula 1 as the clear frontrunner—a sentiment that was reinforced by the team’s impressive showing at the initial test in Barcelona last month.
However, Mercedes’ interpretation of a segment of the new engine regulations has already faced scrutiny, with competing manufacturers questioning the German team’s understanding of the rules concerning engine compression ratios.
On the first day of this week’s test, Wolff responded to numerous inquiries regarding the potential alteration of the compression ratio rule to negate Mercedes’ interpretation, while also taking the chance to emphasize the performance of Verstappen’s Red Bull, referring to it as the “benchmark” car and power unit combination.
Verstappen contends that Wolff’s emphasis on Red Bull was a tactic to divert attention from any advantages Mercedes might possess.
“If we reflect on the past 10 years of winter testing, I don’t think you can determine who the world champion is on day one,” Verstappen stated.
“Especially with a new set of regulations like this. For me, it feels more like diversion tactics. But that’s fine. I focus on what we are doing here with the team. Because honestly, there is still so much for us to learn. This new set of rules is so intricate that we just want to complete our laps and proceed from there, to be honest.”
After parting ways with former engine partner Honda at the end of last year, Red Bull enters F1’s new era with a power unit of its own design.
The team has developed the operation from the ground up in just four years, and Verstappen noted that they have made a very strong start with their inaugural power unit.
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“I believe the start we have had is simply very positive,” he remarked. “And everyone is quite pleased with that. For instance, the lap count we achieved yesterday is just excellent. That’s precisely what we aim to accomplish. But it’s not guaranteed.
“Simultaneously, we have worked for many years to reach this point and be prepared. However, whether it will be sufficient to win, I cannot say. At this moment, you have no idea if that’s the case. Moreover, what you observe here during testing will not be the same in Melbourne. This applies to many cars and engines as well.
“It is normal, of course, for others to conceal their true performance and attempt to make us appear very strong.
“Nonetheless, we remain unconcerned. We simply concentrate on ourselves. We strive to perform to the best of our abilities. But yes, I am pleased with how everything has commenced. Yet, there remains a significant opportunity for improvement, given the complexity of everything.”
Source: espn.com
