The Williams F1 team has confirmed it will switch to Mercedes power in 2014, when the sport adopts a new engine formula.
The deal has been in the works for many months now, and with Williams keen to keep its costs to a minimum, the Mercedes package was the best option given it is one of the most cost-effective compared to Williams’ current supplier Renault.
Under the ‘long-term’ contract, Mercedes AMG will supply the enging and energy recovery system (ERS), whilst Williams will continue to manufacture its own transmission.
Team co-founder and team principal Sir Frank Williams welcomed Mercedes and thanked Renault for their involvement over the past few seasons.
“I’m delighted to announce our new association with Mercedes-Benz for the 2014 Formula One season and beyond. Mercedes-Benz has been one of the sport’s most successful engine suppliers and we believe that they will have an extremely competitive engine package.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Renault for their continued hard work since we renewed our engine partnership at the beginning of the 2012 season. We have enjoyed a strong relationship that has resulted in much success over the years, including powering us to winning ways once again last year at the Spanish Grand Prix.”
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP, added: “It is a very proud moment for everybody at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to announce the start of this new partnership with the Williams F1 Team. Williams is one of the sport’s iconic names and we are very excited to be working together towards a successful future under the new regulations. A further positive is that this new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying our works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards, following the conclusion of our relationship with McLaren at the end of next season.”
The F1 Times reported the deal had been concluded in Monaco.
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