Red Bull issue response to Toto Wolff power unit declaration

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has issued a response to a remark made by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after the Belgian Grand Prix.

Speaking after the race, Wolff was commenting about the struggles George Russell has endured in a straight line, with the Briton voicing his concerns throughout the weekend.

Wolff insisted that the team is working on fixing the concern, but declared that it has the strongest power unit in the field.

"We had an issue on all Mercedes engines that we lacked power out on the straight, and that bit him badly,” Wolff told Sky F1. 

“It's 100% goes on us, but you know we're trying our best as a team. We have the most powerful power unit."

Wolff's comment came despite an FIA ruling earlier this year under the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system, which declared Red Bull's engine was the strongest in the field, restricting it from further development this year.

While ADUO solely relates to the combustion engine, Red Bull has long voiced its surprise with the decision.

Although Wolff's comment at Spa-Francorchamps may have referred to the power unit as a whole, his comment nonetheless caused a stir.

Offering his response, Mekies told media including RacingNews365: “I think Toto is right,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365. 

“I also think they have the most powerful power unit.

“Certainly they had a sizeable advantage on the straight this weekend again. 

“But it's not the first weekend, they have an advantage on the straight most weekends. This weekend, it was a bit more with the track sensitivity. 

“So we will see what's happening. As you say, the second period closes in Budapest in a week's time. We'll see what's happening.”