McLaren F1 team returning to Mercedes power in 2021

Renault enters the F1 Russian Grand Prix weekend fourth in the Constructors’ Standings.

McLaren is switching from Renault power units back to former supplier Mercedes in 2021 in a deal reported by several European media outlets to run at least through 2024. 

McLaren previously moved from Mercedes to Honda in 2014 before moving to Renault power in 2018. McLaren has not won a race in F1 since 2012 and not recorded a podium finish since 2014.

In their previous partnership, McLaren and Mercedes scored one constructors title (1998) and three drivers championships – two with Mika Hakkinen in 1998 and 1999, and one with Lewis Hamilton in 2008. The bulk of the relationship came during the dominant period of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher. During that era, McLaren finish as runners up in the Constructors’ Championship seven times.

“This agreement is an important step in our long-term plan to return to success in Formula 1,” said Zak Brown, chief executive of McLaren Racing. “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.

“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.”

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