Williams and Mercedes have signed an extension until 2030, at least, for the supply of the German power units with which the English team’s Formula 1 cars have been accelerating since 2014, the year of the start of the hybrid era in the top category of motorsport. In 2026, it should be noted, a new technical regulation will be introduced, which requires, among other changes, the use of only sustainable fuel that guarantees a significant reduction in both consumption and pollutant emissions, as well as a significant increase in the use of the electrical system, with the adoption of a 350 kW engine, which is almost three times more powerful than the current MGU-K. And all this, of course, without violating the current budget limits in the competition!
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Liberty Media, the promoter of the World Championship, aim to achieve carbon neutrality in Formula 1 by 2030, a goal for all the confirmed changes for 2026. In summary, the power units remain hybrid, with an increase in electrical power that supports the thermal mechanics with turbo technology, so that both represent 50% of the energy used during the grand prix!
Last year, Mercedes also signed the extension of the agreement it has with McLaren (another “customer” of the Germans, Aston Martin, has a new supplier for 2026, Honda). “For Williams, this news is fantastic. The relationship we started in 2014 leaves us very satisfied and, therefore, we are happy to be able to prepare together for this new era in Formula 1”, said James Vowles, director of the British team. Toto Wolff, the head of the German team, also welcomed the new agreement. “This is a historic team and we have celebrated many successes together. I especially remember the four top positions we achieved in Austria in 2014, with Williams finishing the grand prix right behind Mercedes”, he recalled.
In 2014 and 2015, two seasons dominated by the Mercedes team, Williams finished third in the Constructors’ Championship, a result that the Grove-based team has never repeated since!…
Among the novelties promised for the 2026 World Championship, the debut of Audi with Sauber and the return of Ford as a supplier of power units for Red Bull. Honda officially left the category in 2021, but maintains a partnership with the dominant Austrian team in 2022 and 2023, after a return to the titles in 2021, with Max Verstappen’s victory in the drivers’ championship.
