Williams F1 and Mercedes-Benz have announced a long-term engine partnership commencing from the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship season.
The agreement will see Williams supplied with a Mercedes-Benz power unit – comprising an internal combustion engine and energy recovery system – manufactured in Brixworth, UK, by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. Williams will remain responsible for producing its own transmissions.
The Williams-Mercedes deal will bring to an end a two-year partnership with Renault in which the French manufacturer has so far powered the British racing team to victory at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.
Williams F1 founder and team principal Sir Frank Williams said he was delighted with the new Mercedes-Benz partnership and acknowledged Renault's efforts during 2012 and the current season.
"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," Williams said.
"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."
Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains managing director Andy Cowell said he was likewise proud to confirm the Williams deal.
"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," Cowell said.
"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 2014 regulations require teams to switch from naturally aspirated 2.4-litre V8 engines to turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 hybrid power units. The power units will be required to achieve a 30 per cent increase in energy efficiency to reach power outputs comparable to current levels – a goal that will be achieved largely through the use of energy recovery systems that will be able to deploy 10 times more energy than the current KERS.
