Max Verstappen Rejects Toto Wolff’s Red Bull Claim

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Max Verstappen has dismissed claims from Toto Wolff that Red Bull Racing is the clear benchmark heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Following the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team principal suggested Red Bull’s power unit appeared over one second per lap quicker on the straights. Verstappen, who logged 136 laps and set the second fastest time on Wednesday, rejected the notion that any hierarchy can be established so early under the new regulations.

“Let’s look back at the last 10 years of winter testing,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365.

“I don’t think you can say who the world champion is on day one, especially with a new ruleset like this.”

“For me, personally, it’s more like diversion tactics, but that’s okay.”

Verstappen stressed that Red Bull’s focus remains on understanding the complexities of the 2026 technical package rather than engaging in pre-season narratives.

“These new rules are so complex that we just want to do our laps and go from there. For us, there’s still so much to learn.”

Mercedes has also faced scrutiny over an alleged compression ratio advantage in its power unit design, with rival manufacturers reportedly pushing for regulatory clarification. Wolff downplayed the impact, claiming any gain would be worth only two or three horsepower — a figure Verstappen openly questioned.

“Definitely put a zero behind it and more,” Verstappen responded.

“Of course I understand what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to shift it to us because we drove so many laps yesterday. You have to see it from both sides.”

Looking ahead to the season opener in Melbourne, Verstappen maintained that only competitive conditions will reveal the true performance picture.

“Just wait and see in Melbourne how hard they will go on the straight.”

“Everyone can say what they want. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t care that much — especially if the car there is not fun to drive. Then I’m busy with other things.”

The exchange highlights the intensifying political and technical undercurrents at the start of the 2026 cycle, with competitive positioning and regulatory interpretation already shaping the narrative ahead of the opening Grand Prix.