Mercedes has announced it has formed a performance partnership with INEOS Sports sailing and cycling teams, launching a new Applied Science division.
Mercedes, which returned to Formula 1 in 2010, has won the last six Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship, and joins McLaren and Williams in having a business division.
INEOS, a multi-billion-dollar chemicals company, has expanded into sporting partnerships and team ownership in recent years.
INEOS acquired multiple Tour de France champions Team Sky for 2019 and added another victory courtesy of Egan Bernal, while the company also owns Ligue 1 side OCG Nice and Swiss team Lausanne.
INEOS also owns INEOS Team UK, the British-based sailing operation which is aiming to win the America’s Cup in 2021.
Mercedes says that the respective companies will work together to “develop and implement innovations in engineering, human science, simulation and data analysis.”
"The technological demands of Formula 1 mean we are well-placed to support with advanced technical challenges in specific areas of sailing and cycling, with a particular focus on aerodynamics and the manufacturing capability around key components," commented Mercedes Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff.
"When [INEOS Chairman] Sir Jim Ratcliffe approached us with the concept of bringing together the three organisations, all with proven track records of excellence and high ambitions for the future, we immediately saw the opportunity to grow and diversify our business – and to learn from some of the most successful teams in world sport.
"We are very excited about this agreement's potential in the months and years ahead."