The Williams Formula 1 team has confirmed their ongoing partnership with Mercedes, extending their contract to use Mercedes power units until at least the 2030 season. This extension solidifies their relationship, which began in 2014, coinciding with the start of the turbo-hybrid era in F1.
The upcoming 2026 season will introduce significant changes to F1’s technical regulations, but Williams will maintain their Mercedes engine supply throughout this period. Similarly, Mercedes has agreed to continue supplying McLaren with power units until 2030.
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In a notable shift, Aston Martin, currently using Mercedes engines, will transition to Honda power units starting in 2026, aligning with F1’s move to fully sustainable fuels and its goal to achieve net carbon zero status by 2030.
“We have enjoyed a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and we are thrilled to extend this collaboration into the next era of Formula 1,” said Williams team principal James Vowles.
“The expertise, support and technology that Mercedes brings to the table align perfectly with our team’s aspirations in the medium and long term.
“This long-term agreement with Mercedes is a positive step and forms part of our objectives for the future, whilst we will still retain our design and manufacturing expertise and capabilities in-house.”
Williams is entering the 2024 season on a high note, coming off their best performance in six years by finishing seventh in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship. Drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant have delivered commendable performances, with Sargeant scoring his first top-10 finish at the United States Grand Prix. Both drivers have been retained for the upcoming season, marking a stable lineup across the F1 grid.
The 2026 season is shaping up
The 2026 F1 season is shaping up to be a transformative one, with potential shifts in team standings. Red Bull and its sister team AlphaTauri are set to partner with Ford for engine supply, while Audi is poised to enter as a works team taking over Sauber. Additionally, the Andretti team might join the F1 lineup.
Currently, Haas is the only F1 team without a confirmed engine deal post-2025, although they currently run Ferrari engines. Meanwhile, Williams’ future looks more secure following a period of uncertainty in 2020, which ended with their acquisition by Dorilton Capital.
“We are delighted to confirm Williams Racing as the second customer team that we will supply for the 2026 power unit regulations,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
“Today’s news highlights the strength of the Mercedes-Benz offering in F1 and importantly not only validates, but reinforces, our overall motorsport strategy.
“Since 2014, we have continued to build and develop our relationship with Williams. As the team continues to put the foundations in place to challenge at the front of the grid, we look forward to supporting them with our power unit supply.”
Source: Sky Sports F1
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