Williams boss James Vowles is keen to hit the ground running with the 2026 Mercedes Formula 1 power unit, claiming the German marque has done an “exceptional job”.
Mercedes has supplied Williams with F1 power units since the dawn of the hybrid era in 2014, and the two outfits extended their partnership ahead of the 2024 campaign.
That ensures Williams will receive Mercedes power through the new engine regulations in 2026, whereby there will be a greater reliance on electrification and the introduction of 100% sustainable fuels.
Vowles is buoyed by the progress Mercedes has made with its 2026 F1 power unit, implying it will be class-leading.
“I think Mercedes have done an exceptional job, which is why I was very happy to resign back up for an extension,” Vowles explained on the F1 Beyond the Grid Podcast.
“And I think you’re going to see differences between power units that do not exist today.
“Today, pretty much all the power units are much of a muchness. I think that will change in 2026, and you’ll see a difference between the power units.”
In 2014, the introduction of hybrid power units saw Mercedes enjoy an extraordinary advantage over the rest of the F1 field.
Volwes reasoned that Mercedes’ advantage in 2026 won’t “be at the levels you saw in 2014, where there was such a widespread throughout the field.”
Still, the Williams Team Principal is confident that Mercedes will give his squad an advantage in 2026.
Vowles is pinning his hopes on F1 success in 2026, saying “I can see real tangible performance development, especially on the 2026 car.”
Alex Albon hopes for Mercedes 2014 F1 engine repeat
Alex Albon will be leading the Williams charge, having signed a lengthy contract extension keeping him in Grove until at least the end of 2026.
While Vowles is confident Mercedes will give Williams an engine advantage in 2026, Albon hopes it will be at the level of 2014.
“I hope Mercedes has a strong engine and good battery efficiency,” Albon said.
“That could work in our favour in the Constructors’ comparison and make us relatively competitive with teams with other engines.
“I hope that we can let the power unit carry us a little bit, and I remember a little bit of 2014 where the gap to the front places could be bigger.
“But that puts us in a good position and we can still build and develop and change parts of the team. And then we can make bigger steps up to 2027.”
READ MORE: Williams sticks with Mercedes power for 2026 rules
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