Mercedes has announced that it has extended its contract with title sponsor Petronas in a multi-year deal.
The new contract will see the two parties remain together beyond the 2026 Formula 1 season, when new engine regulations will come into play.
Petronas has been the title sponsor of Mercedes since the 2010 season, when the German manufacturer opted to return to the sport as a works team.
It has gone on to be one of the most successful title partnerships in F1 history, with Mercedes winning eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021.
Petronas will develop Mercedes’ sustainable fuel which is a requirement with the 2026 regulations.
“Today we are doing something a little bit unusual – announcing a partnership that will begin in four years’ time,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
“This sends an important message: our team and Petronas are no longer just partners, we are family, and we will be one team for many more years to come.
“From 2026, advanced sustainable fuel will be at the heart of F1 performance – and this gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in this domain, through both the power unit and Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions.
“We are excited to be racing into the future alongside Petronas, with the ambition to set the standard once again, in our on-track performance and by pioneering the transition of a global sports team to a net-zero future.”
As well as sustainable fuels being introduced in 2026, there will also be a major increase in the electrical output of the car’s power units.
“We are already on track with developing a greenfield biorefinery and co-processing at our facilities to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a cleaner and more viable option for aircrafts in our effort to support the aviation industry needs,” added CEO of Petronas Downstream, Datuk Sazali.
“This is in line with Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) which is expected to come into mandatory effect by 2027 as well as the FIA’s net zero by 2030 commitment – both of which will affect the logistics operations of F1 teams.”
Greenpeace Lulu must be thrilled.
Nice to see he’s still living rent-free in your head!
Wayne, that would be a hilarious “comeback” if this article was not relevant to Lulu. Nice try.