Fans of Formula 1 are familiar with the names McLaren and Mercedes, as both were synonymous from the mid-90s onwards before the former opted for Honda power units (again), and later on, choosing Renault as their engine supplier. Now, the two will join forces once again, as it has been announced that both have agreed to a four-year deal starting from 2021.
It goes without saying that the past five years have been a trying one for the McLaren F1 Team, and in its first year with Honda, the team was ninth in the 2015 constructors’ championship. Subsequently in 2016 and 2017, the team finished sixth and ninth respectively.
During the 2018 season, the team swapped to Renault power units, but it ended that year in sixth. In the 2019 season, the team currently occupies the fourth spot ahead of the Renault works team, with five races left in the calendar to go.
“This agreement is an important step in our long-term plan to return to success in Formula 1. Mercedes is the benchmark, both as a team and a power unit, so it is natural we would seek to secure a relationship with the company for the next phase of our journey,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
“This announcement reflects the confidence of our shareholders and is an important message to our investors, our team, partners and fans that we are committed to returning McLaren to the front of the field,” he added.
“2021 will be an important milestone for us as we continue our fight back to the front, so it is vital that we have the key elements in place now to enable us to prepare for the new era of the sport,” commented Andreas Seidl, team principal of McLaren F1 Team.
“We look forward to renewing our Mercedes relationship from 2021 onwards. At the same time Renault remains both a valued partner as well as a formidable competitor, and we will be focused on continuing our collaboration through the rest of this season and next,” he continued.
McLaren’s previous partnership with Mercedes proved to be a fruitful one, as the team secured three drivers’ championships (1998, 1999 and 2008) and a constructors’ title (1998).
“Although the two brands share a prestigious history, this new agreement is all about looking to the future and beginning a new era of power unit supply for the years ahead,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
“McLaren have been putting in place the building blocks of their revival over recent seasons, including impressive performances this season with Renault power. We hope that this new long-term agreement marks another milestone for McLaren as they aim to take the fight to the sport’s top teams, including our Mercedes works team,” he added.
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McLaren + Mercedes is the way to go… Flash back to Mika Hakkinen glorious days…
You mean like how the flashback of McLaren & Honda during Aryton Senna days? Well flashbacks didn’t work too well in the present. Fully expect the same to happen again.
Screaming v10s, total aerodynamics, no limit on budget, engines and tires…good times.
Mercedes : you could not live with your own failure.
Where did that bring you?
Back to me.