Williams continues to look to the future, awaiting the new technical infrastructure necessary to progress up the field. In the meantime, thanks partly to the negotiations of James Wolves, the English team renews its Mercedes power unit agreement with a multi-year agreement.
Their collaboration will continue until 2030. The agreement, which began in 2014, will have a duration of at least sixteen years. This news confirms the strong relationship between Mercedes and Williams – alongside the German manufacturer’s strong engine.
What pushed the Wantage team to extend the agreement was the high reliability of the various components, a fundamental point, especially in view of 2026, when the new technical and motoring regulations will come into force.
In fact, the new Power Unit will be composed of a 50% hybrid and 50% thermal engine.
As a result, the MGU-H will disappear entirely, whilst the MGU-K will increase in size – needing to store much more energy.
Below is the statement issued by Williams:
“The decision to extend the partnership into the new era of technical regulation, which will begin in 2026, consolidates the commitment to excellence and innovation between the parties.
“This announcement marks a significant step forward in the long-term relationship, which began at the start of the hybrid era in 2014.”
Above all, the press release recalls that future engines will use exclusively 100% sustainable fuel. This is in adherence to F1’s rigorous sustainability standards and reducing overall fuel consumption.
The powertrain’s electrical systems will be upgraded for higher performance. From 2026, they will feature a single 350 kW electric motor, nearly three times more powerful than the current MGU-K. Future engine development will have to be conducted within the budget cap.
These are the words of Williams Team Principal James Vowles:
“We have a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz. And we are excited to extend this collaboration into the next era of Formula 1.
“The experience, support and technology that Mercedes leads to The table aligns perfectly with our team’s medium- and long-term aspirations.
“This long-term agreement with Mercedes is a positive step and part of our goals for the future. While maintaining our design and manufacturing expertise and capabilities in-house.”
Also satisfied, as he should be, is Toto Wolff, Team Principal of the Brackley team. He took the opportunity to praise the collaboration between Mercedes and Williams:
“We are pleased to confirm Williams Racing as the second customer team we will supply for the 2026 power unit regulations.
“Today’s news highlights the strength of the product Mercedes-Benz offers in F1. And importantly, it not only validates but strengthens our overall motorsport strategy. Since 2014, we have continued to build and develop our relationship with Williams.
“As the team continues to lay the foundations to challenge the top of the grid, we look forward to supporting them with the supply of our powertrain.”
Therefore, after McLaren, Williams also extends its partnership with Mercedes until 2030.
Thanks to these agreements, the Brackley team can prepare for the future. Despite the loss of Aston Martin, which will welcome the return of Honda, Mercedes extends two historic partnerships with McLaren and Williams.
