Wolff: Red Bull has made “huge step forward” with new Honda F1 power unit

Max Verstappen claimed his third victory of the season last time out at the Circuit Paul Ricard, defeating Lewis Hamilton on an aggressive two-stop strategy. 

Sergio Perez backed up his team with another podium finish which ensured Red Bull extended its lead in the constructors’ championship further to 37 points.

Most notably was Red Bull’s impressive performance in the middle sector in France, with Hamilton claiming afterwards Mercedes was “losing three and a half tenths” on the straights alone.

Wolff was asked if he saw it as a “positive weekend” for the team, where he replied: “It was a tough fight but I don’t see it as a positive. They have made a huge step forward with their power unit, introduction of the second power unit, and their race car is good, no doubt about that. That’s why it’s a tough one this year.”

F1 embarks on back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring for the Styrian and Austrian Grands Prix.

Wolff is confident Mercedes has understood where it has gone wrong in the previous three rounds as it looks to take its first win since Spain this weekend. 

“But while we know there is still a long way to go and plenty more opportunities to come, in a season like this, every single point will matter and make the difference. And we've left points on the table at the last few races,” Wolff added.

“We've debriefed France and understand the areas where we have the opportunity to improve. So, now it's all about focusing on bringing those improvements to the next two rounds in Austria, where hopefully we can swing the positive momentum back in our favour. Thankfully, we don't have to wait long for our next chance to try and do that and I can see the determination in every member of the team.”