The Mercedes team principal made the comment after the Belgian Grand Prix while addressing the straight-line speed problems suffered by the manufacturer’s cars at Spa-Francorchamps.
George Russell repeatedly complained about his lack of speed during the weekend before retiring from the race following opening-lap contact with Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff accepted responsibility for the issue but insisted Mercedes still possessed the strongest overall package.
“We had an issue on all Mercedes engines that we lacked the power out on the straights. That hit him badly, and it 100 percent goes on us,” Wolff told Sky Sports F1.
“We are trying our best as a team. We have the most powerful power unit, a strong car that is capable of winning.
“Everyone is giving their maximum to minimise the mistakes, and still it happens because we are humans at work.”
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The admission quickly drew a response from Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, who agreed with Wolff’s assessment.
“Toto is right. I also think that they have the most powerful power unit,” Mekies said.
“And 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. And this weekend a bit more with the track sensitivity.”
The comments come after the FIA’s first assessment under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system controversially identified Red Bull Ford Powertrains as the leading engine manufacturer.
The decision was based on internal combustion engine performance rather than the complete power unit, which also includes the electrical and hybrid components.
Red Bull was therefore denied any additional development opportunities, while Mercedes was judged to be between two and four percent behind and granted an extra upgrade in 2026 and another next season.
Ferrari, Honda and Audi were all assessed as being more than four percent behind, allowing each manufacturer two additional upgrades this year and another two in 2027.
Red Bull has since requested a review of the assessment, arguing Mercedes has consistently held the advantage when the performance of the complete power unit is considered.
Mekies pointed to Mercedes’ straight-line speed as further evidence that the FIA’s initial ranking did not reflect the competitive order on track.
“So we will see what’s happening,” said Mekies.
“As you said, the second period closing in Budapest in a week’s time. We’ll see what’s happening.”
The second assessment period began at the Monaco Grand Prix and will conclude following this weekend’s race in Hungary.
The FIA has also yet to formally publish the results of its opening review as it considers Red Bull’s concerns.
Even if Mercedes is placed at the top of the next assessment, Red Bull would still need to be at least two percent behind to receive an additional development opportunity.
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