Williams hopeful of agreeing new Mercedes F1 engine deal

Williams is hoping to put pen to paper on a new Formula 1 engine deal with Mercedes in the near future, dismissing suggestions it could switch to a Renault supply.

Williams has enjoyed a power unit supply from Mercedes since the start of the V6 hybrid era in 2014, scoring 15 podium finishes and one pole position in that period.

Speculation emerged ahead of the British Grand Prix earlier this month that Williams was weighing up a switch to Renault engines at the end of its current contract, but deputy chief Claire Williams was quick to knock back the report, underlining the team's commitment to Mercedes.

"There’s a lot of speculation about Williams at the moment!" Williams joked, having also rejected a suggestion driver Robert Kubica could be replaced mid-season.

"I saw the speculation. We aren’t talking to Renault. We’re talking to Mercedes as you probably expect. Those conversations are going well, and we hope to be able to conclude a new partnership with them going into 2021.

"They’ve been a fantastic partner of ours, they’ve been very supportive, everyone knows that Toto [Wolff, Mercedes F1 chief] started his Formula 1 career at Williams. As such, we have a great relationship with him, and I would like that relationship to continue."

Williams enjoyed its heyday in F1 while working with Renault through the 1990s, claiming five F1 constructors' championships, as well as its most recent drivers' title with Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

"I don’t know why people speculate around future or potential engine partners of ours, except to say maybe it’s a slow news week," Williams added.

"We’ve always had a great history with Renault, but our future is with Mercedes."