The engine market has been buzzing with activity since the new engine regulations for 2014 were announced. We have already seen the likes of McLaren and Toro Rosso make the switch (although the former is for 2015) and now Williams have announced that they will be driven by the Mercedes powerplant from next season onwards.
The team are looking for this to be a "long term" partnership and will see the termination of their current tie-up with Renault after they rekindled their iconic relationship for the 2012 season.
Renault powered the Grove based squad to four drivers and five constructors titles between 1989 to 1997. Returning to the French team for the 2012 season saw the team score their first victory for eight years.
Mercedes currently supply Force India and McLaren with their V8 power-plants alongside their works Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. However they will lose a supplier in 2015 with the recent news that McLaren-Honda will return in 2015, giving them an opening for a new long-term customer.
Frank Williams, Team Principal and Founder of the Williams F1 Team, said on the news "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."
Part of the reason for the switch is thought to be due to the higher costs of the Renault V6 Turbo engine. Williams are renowned for being a privateer team on lower budgets and the move makes sense.
Williams later thanked Renault for their "continued hard work" since renewing their engine partnership at the beginning of 2012. He added "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."
Frank's daughter Claire, the Deputy Team Principal, added "The announcement of this partnership is exciting news for Williams. Securing the right engine supply partnership is a key milestone in the implementation of our strategy for long term success." She added and stressed the importance of getting the deal done "early in the season" so focus can start moving to 2014.
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) also spoke on the news. He said "It is a very proud moment for everybody at Mercedes AMG HPP to announce the start of this new partnership with the Williams F1 Team," before adding "A further positive is that this new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying out works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards" following the conclusion of their relationship with McLaren.
Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas, Toto Wolff, also commented on the news. He shared his excitement at signing a new deal, admitting "The proud heritage of Williams and the company's commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations. It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams," and will ensure that they have "at least three" teams to supply on "a long-term basis."
The move by Williams has long been expected, with Niki Lauda commenting over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend that a deal had already been finalised.
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Renault powered the Grove based squad to four drivers and five constructors titles between 1989 to 1997. Returning to the French team for the 2012 season saw the team score their first victory for eight years.
Mercedes currently supply Force India and McLaren with their V8 power-plants alongside their works Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. However they will lose a supplier in 2015 with the recent news that McLaren-Honda will return in 2015, giving them an opening for a new long-term customer.
Frank Williams, Team Principal and Founder of the Williams F1 Team, said on the news "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."
Part of the reason for the switch is thought to be due to the higher costs of the Renault V6 Turbo engine. Williams are renowned for being a privateer team on lower budgets and the move makes sense.
Williams later thanked Renault for their "continued hard work" since renewing their engine partnership at the beginning of 2012. He added "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."
Frank's daughter Claire, the Deputy Team Principal, added "The announcement of this partnership is exciting news for Williams. Securing the right engine supply partnership is a key milestone in the implementation of our strategy for long term success." She added and stressed the importance of getting the deal done "early in the season" so focus can start moving to 2014.
Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) also spoke on the news. He said "It is a very proud moment for everybody at Mercedes AMG HPP to announce the start of this new partnership with the Williams F1 Team," before adding "A further positive is that this new agreement provides Mercedes-Benz with the long-term stability of supplying out works team and at least two partners from the 2015 season onwards" following the conclusion of their relationship with McLaren.
Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas, Toto Wolff, also commented on the news. He shared his excitement at signing a new deal, admitting "The proud heritage of Williams and the company's commitment to technological excellence make it a perfect long-term partner for Mercedes-Benz under the new powertrain regulations. It is a win-win situation for both HPP and Williams," and will ensure that they have "at least three" teams to supply on "a long-term basis."
The move by Williams has long been expected, with Niki Lauda commenting over the Monaco Grand Prix weekend that a deal had already been finalised.
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