Williams extend Mercedes F1 engine supply deal until 2030

Extension carries relationship, which began in 2014, through 2026 engine regulation overhaul.

January 9, 2024
Cian Brittle

Second team to agree extension with Mercedes after McLaren
2026 will see the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel

The Williams Formula One team have extended their engine supply deal with Mercedes until 2030.

Williams have partnered with Mercedes since the start of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014, and this latest extension will carry the Grove-based team through the engine regulation overhaul in 2026.

The new regulations will see the use of 100 per cent sustainable fuel, while the much-maligned Motor Generator Unit – Heat (MGU-H) will be removed entirely.

The simplified engines will rely more heavily on electric power, with the Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K) receiving a 56 per cent increase in available power from 120kW to 350kW.

This move was intended to make the series more attractive for prospective engine manufacturers, and resulted in the likes of Audi, Ford and General Motors signalling their intention to join.

“We have enjoyed a long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and we are thrilled to extend this collaboration into the next era of Formula One,” said James Vowles, team principal of Williams.

“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 strategic objectives for the future, whilst we will still retain our design and manufacturing expertise and capabilities in-house.”

Mercedes and Williams have enjoyed a close working relationship over recent years. Vowles made the switch to the latter at the start of the 2023 season and the likes of George Russell and Valtteri Bottas have driven for both teams over the last ten years.

This contract extension replicates the deal agreed by McLaren at the end of last season, with the Woking-based team also agreeing to remain with Mercedes until 2030.

From 2026, however, Mercedes will lose the third team they supply on the Formula One grid in Aston Martin. The Silverstone-based team will switch to Japanese manufacturer Honda, essentially becoming a works team for the Tokyo marque after Red Bull opted for a technical deal with Ford.