Williams Agree to Long-Term Deal with Mercedes for F1 Engines

WilliamsWilliamsUnited Kingdom, 1977 > present37 models
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has announced that it will switch from RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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engines to MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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next season. The team did not announce the duration of the deal but described it as "a long-term engine partnership." That makes it fairly certain that Williams will not switch to HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
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engines as had been previously rumored.

The deal says that Mercedes will supply the engine and energy recovery system, and Williams will build its own transmission.

"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," said Frank Williams.

Mercedes says that it is still looking for another team to supply from 2015 when McLarenMcLarenUnited Kingdom, 1963 > present92 models
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moves to Honda.

With the loss of Williams, Renault is only confirmed to supply two teams next year - Red BullRed BullAustria, 2004 > present12 models
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and Toro RossoToro RossoItaly, 2006 > present10 models
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. While it has not officially been confirmed, given their partnership on the next generation AlpineAlpineFrance, 1955 > 199414 models
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, it is expected that Renault will also supply CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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. Renault says that supplying three teams is its minimum, but more are possible.

The next generation powertrains will have 10 times more energy recovery than the current systems. 

Source: Autosport