Williams will continue to use Mercedes power units after agreeing a new deal with the manufacturer which runs until the end of the 2025 season.
The team switched to Mercedes engines when the V6 hybrid turbo regulations were introduced in 2014.“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Mercedes-Benz over the past six years of what was originally a seven-year agreement, and so we are delighted to be continuing working with them for a further five years from 2021,” said deputy team principal Claire Williams.
“Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will continue to have an extremely competitive engine package going forwards. Over our time with them they have become a real friend of the team, and we look forward to working with Mercedes-AMG HPP in future.”
The deal is the first sign Mercedes intends to continue in the sport, at least as a power unit supplier, beyond the end of 2020 when their current commercial arrangements expire.
“Williams is one of the iconic brands in Formula One and we at Mercedes are proud to count them as part of our motorsport family,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “They have been through some tough times recently but that has only served to demonstrate their resilience and strength of character as they battle back to where they belong on the grid.
“I am certain that the outlook for independent teams is bright under the financial regulations that will be introduced from 2021 and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Williams into that new era of our sport.”
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WarfieldF1 (@warfieldf1)
13th September 2019, 11:32
any chance they will take the gearbox too?
Bart
13th September 2019, 11:34
And some aero parts… and maybe some drivers?
Gavin Campbell
13th September 2019, 11:49
Well they can’t take any aero parts and one of their drivers is a Merc driver.
There’s not a lot else they can take other than Gearbox & rear suspension (I’m not sure if they take suspension or not from Merc as they don’t take the gearbox so more than likely not).
Adam (@rocketpanda)
13th September 2019, 13:45
I suppose in addition to confirming Mercedes will still be around for a while, it kinda suggests Williams will be too – which is positive. I kinda think they’d be better off going for a Ferrari or Honda unit but ideally they would do well to pull a new constructor in but I have no idea who. Though really Williams have a lot more problems than the engine. I hope they survive.
Jere (@jerejj)
13th September 2019, 16:37
@rocketpanda One possibility is that Mercedes would remain in F1 only as a PU/engine-supplier beyond next season like they used to be back in the day. The other ones are, of course, to continue as both a team and supplier as is the case at present, or leave altogether.
Only Facts!
13th September 2019, 13:45
I believe Mercedes will stay as aggregate supplier (power unit / gearbox / rear end). One of the possible alternatives for the budget cap cost reduction.
Hamilton and Bottas have short term contracts just in case.
Renault as a manufacturer is staying at least until they win something, so they don’t walk empty handed. After that, another aggregate supplier?
RBR has Aston Martin waiting in line should Honda decides to leave. They can keep using the rebranded PU or make a deal with Ilmor.
Should we start 2021 silly season now? Hamilton walks out, Bottas to Williams? Vettel walks out, Ricciardo to Ferrari?
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
13th September 2019, 21:37
Hopefully the’ll last beyond that.
Harrisf1 (@harrisf1)
13th September 2019, 22:33
Please for your fans sake take the gearboxes as well!