Williams Racing announced a new long-term deal with Mercedes-Benz to use its power unit for five more F1 seasons.
Having joined hands together for the first time in 2014 when F1 moved towards the hybrid era, Williams and Mercedes will continue its partnership beyond 2020 after signing a new long-term contract.
Its current contract ends in 2020 and the new deal will see them together for five more F1 seasons until 2025, with Williams to be supplied with Mercedes-Benz Power Units (ICE plus ERS).
“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 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.”
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG HPP, said: “Building long-term partnerships has been a key pillar of our approach to the hybrid era in Formula One.
“Williams has been an exemplary partner since we began working together ahead of the 2014 season and we have enjoyed a number of highlights during those years.
“We have built strong human and technical relationships to the team in Grove and very much look forward to building on them in the years ahead.” And finally, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff added:
“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. 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.”
The news unofficially secures the future of Mercedes and Williams in F1 with the new agreement of beyond 2020 season with Liberty Media is yet to be signed and confirmed.
The new contract also ends the speculation regarding Williams switching to Renault or any other power unit as it was being confirmed by certain ‘websites’ based on unconfirmed sources.