# Toto Wolff praises Red Bull as Mercedes faces upgrade concerns

> Mercedes' Toto Wolff highlights Red Bull's performance gains amid upgrade uncertainty.
- Title: Toto Wolff praises Red Bull as Mercedes faces upgrade concerns
- Summary: Mercedes' Toto Wolff highlights Red Bull's performance gains amid upgrade uncertainty. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledges Red Bull's strong…
- Keywords: toto wolff, red bull, mercedes, max verstappen, upgrade concerns, formula 1, sports, cars, Toto, Wolff, praises, Red
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/toto-wolff-praises-max-verstappen-and-red-bull-as-mercedes-faces-upgrade-concerns/10864424
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-11T16:28:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: toto wolff, red bull, mercedes, max verstappen, f1, upgrade concerns, formula 1, sports, cars
## Toto Wolff praises Red Bull
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Red Bull's development progress and Max Verstappen's performance capabilities.

> Really you need to take your hat off to what Red Bull has done this season
## Mercedes tests new upgrade package
Mercedes split drivers to test new upgrade package with Kimi Antonelli on updated components and George Russell on old setup.
## Red Bull's aerodynamic improvements
Red Bull updated floor, diffuser, sidepods, mirrors and halo for Azerbaijan race to boost aerodynamic performance.
## Wolff on Mercedes' upgrade challenges
Wolff stated Mercedes' new car needs different setup philosophy than previous car and performance is not yet as expected.

> Was it an easy car today like the previous one? I don't think so
## Mercedes' Singapore test results
Mercedes' Singapore test showed new upgrade package not delivering expected performance despite recent development efforts.
## Next year's competition outlook
Wolff expects Red Bull to remain competitive next year as Mercedes works to refine its upgrade package.

> So in by far the quickest guy today, has been the quickest guy in quali
## Key takeaway

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledges Red Bull's strong development and Max Verstappen's performance as Mercedes tests its new upgrade package.