Mercedes boss Toto Wolff doubts Red Bull has revealed anything close to its true 2017 challenger in the opening days of winter testing this year.
Red Bull had a low-key opening week to pre-season in the RB13, with many observing the more simplistic approach the team has taken in design compared to the Mercedes W08. Given the fact the new regulations have shifted focus back towards aerodynamics, a long-time area of expertise for Red Bull, the Milton Keynes team is expected to push for wins in 2017.
Mercedes enjoyed a strong opening week to pre-season, leading the mileage charts and posting the quickest time of the first test. Despite that, Wolff is refusing to write off Red Bull at such an early stage.
When asked about the differences in design for 2017, Wolff told the F1 website: "We are on very different philosophies. Fundamentally it is all about extracting the maximum performance of the car, and whether this is through sophisticated work or a more simplistic approach is, at the end of the day, irrelevant.
"What counts is the performance of the car. I have no doubt that whatever car Adrian and his team bring to the track will be a tough competitor to beat. My guess is that we haven't seen the Red Bull Racing car of 2017 yet."
Wolff was then asked if he was satisfied with Mercedes' impressive opening week, to which he replied: "As much as you can be satisfied after four days of testing! There is an early indication that we are looking okay, but it is no more and no less."